Method for providing optimized process parameters for production method for producing building panels

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method or the like performed by at least one device or a system comprising at least two devices, for example. The method comprises obtaining information about at least one production element of a production method for producing a building board. The method further includes determining at least one optimized first process parameter based on the information about the at least one production element and using an optimization function. The at least one optimized first process parameter is based on or corresponds to respective values of the at least one first process parameter of the production method, which values optimize the optimization function. Further, each of the first process parameters of the at least one of the production methods is associated with at least one of the production elements of the at least one of the production methods. The method further includes determining respective values of at least one second process parameter of the production method using a mathematical model such that at least one constraint related to the building board is satisfied when the production method is performed based on the values of the at least one optimized first process parameter and the at least one second process parameter. Furthermore, the method comprises providing values of the at least one optimized first process parameter and the at least one second process parameter for use in the production method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, apparatus, systems, and computer programs, particularly for providing optimized process parameters for a production method of building panels. Background Technology

[0002] The continuous production of wood-based panels and / or building materials, such as wood-based panels, typically involves the use of complex production equipment comprising multiple units or sections set up for corresponding production steps. For each such unit, there are usually numerous process parameters that characterize the respective process conditions. For example, in the case of fiberboard production, process parameters such as "extrusion water content," "wood chip quantity," and "cooker temperature" can serve as characteristics of the process conditions in the fiberization section of the production equipment used to produce wood-based panels.

[0003] Given the large number of process parameters typically involved in building panel production methods, and the associated high complexity of controlling or regulating such methods, it has proven advantageous to use at least partially automated control or regulation methods compared to (purely) manual control or regulation. Such automated control / regulation methods can, for example, automatically determine new setpoints for the process parameters in the corresponding production method based on the current state of the production equipment used to produce building panels, and then automatically set those new setpoints. This type of automated control or regulation can also be referred to as advanced closed-loop regulation.

[0004] Whether the production methods described above are controlled / regulated manually or at least partially automatically, specific requirements must generally be met. Therefore, in the production of building panels, specific preset quality standards for building panels must typically be followed. Furthermore, it is usually desirable to achieve preset optimization goals, such as increasing production speed or reducing material and / or energy consumption. Additionally, limitations on control or regulation determined by (machine) technology and / or specified by the user may also need to be considered.

[0005] In particular—but not limited to—when at least partially automating or regulating production methods for building panels (e.g., in the form of advanced closed-loop regulation), determining the optimal process parameters for many or all of the above requirements is a challenge, given the large number of process parameters. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Against this backdrop, the object of the present invention is to provide methods, apparatus, systems, and computer programs, particularly for providing optimized process parameters for a production method of building panels. Another object of the present invention is to provide methods, apparatus, systems, and computer programs for supporting the control and / or regulation of production equipment for building panels.

[0007] Overview of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention

[0008] According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosed, which is performed, for example, by at least one device or by a system comprising at least two devices, wherein the method includes: - Obtain information on at least one production element of the production method used to produce building panels; - Based on information about the at least one production factor and using an optimization function, at least one optimized first process parameter is determined, wherein the optimized first process parameter of the at least one is based on or corresponds to the respective values ​​of the at least one first process parameter of the production method that optimize the optimization function, and wherein each of the at least one first process parameter of the production method is associated with at least one of the at least one production factor of the production method. - Using a mathematical model to determine the corresponding values ​​of at least one second process parameter of the production method, such that when the production method is executed based on the optimized values ​​of the at least one first process parameter and the at least one second process parameter, at least one constraint related to the building materials is complied with; and - Provide values ​​for the optimized first process parameter and the optimized second process parameter of the at least one for use in the production method.

[0009] According to the aforementioned aspects of the invention, the following is also disclosed: - A computer program comprising program instructions that, when executed on a processor or processors, cause the processor or processors to perform and / or control a method according to this aspect of the invention. In this specification, a processor should be understood in particular as a control unit, microprocessor, microcontroller, such as a microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In this case, either all steps of the method can be controlled, or all steps of the method can be executed, or one or more steps can be controlled and executed. The computer program may be at least partially software and / or firmware of the processor. It may also be at least partially implemented as hardware. The computer program may be stored, for example, on a computer-readable storage medium, such as a magnetic, electrical, optical, and / or other type of storage medium. The storage medium may be, for example, part of the processor, such as the processor's (non-volatile or volatile) program memory or a portion thereof. The storage medium may be, for example, a physical or concrete storage medium.

[0010] - An apparatus or system comprising at least two apparatuses configured to perform and / or control a method according to an aspect of the invention, or comprising corresponding means for performing and / or controlling method steps according to that aspect of the invention. In this case, either all steps of the method can be controlled, or all steps of the method can be performed, or one or more steps can be controlled and performed. One or more of these means can also be performed and / or controlled by the same unit. For example, one or more of these means can be comprised of one or more processors. An apparatus according to an aspect of the invention can be, for example, a control device connected to (at least a portion thereof) production equipment for producing building panels, particularly for controlling at least a portion of a production method for producing building panels.

[0011] - An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory containing program code, wherein the memory and program code are configured to cause an apparatus having the at least one processor to perform and / or control a method at least according to aspects of the invention. In this case, either all steps of the method can be controlled, or all steps of the method can be executed, or one or more steps can be controlled and one or more steps can be executed.

[0012] - A building panel manufactured by a method comprising the aspects described in the present invention.

[0013] The features of the described aspects will be illustrated below, partly by way of examples.

[0014] The method according to the described aspect is performed, for example, by at least one device or a system comprising at least two devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the method is performed by at least one control device connected (directly and / or indirectly) to production equipment for producing building panels. In an exemplary embodiment, the method may be performed by a system comprising, for example, multiple control devices, each performing some or all of the steps of the method. For example, the control device may include processing equipment, such as one or more computers located at the production equipment (which, for example, can receive sensor data and / or data from one or more measuring devices of the production equipment via wired and / or wireless communication connections), and / or mobile devices, such as tablets, smartphones, etc., configured to perform at least a portion of the method and connected, for example, to the processing equipment and / or the production equipment via wired and / or wireless communication connections. As further described in this disclosure, the method according to the described aspect in an exemplary embodiment is a method for determining and / or providing optimized process parameters for a production method for producing building panels.

[0015] The method according to the aforementioned aspect includes the step of obtaining information on at least one production element regarding the production method for producing building panels.

[0016] The manufacture (or production) of building panels—sometimes simply referred to as "material boards" in the industry—can be carried out either cyclically or continuously. In cyclic manufacturing, building panels are produced as planar objects with finite dimensions in three spatial directions; while in continuous processes, building panels are cut from strips of material with finite dimensions only in two spatial directions. In this case, the way the connecting and / or compaction units operate determines whether the entire process is described as cyclic or continuous, because in so-called cyclic manufacturing, process sections preceding compaction, such as stretching, are often designed as continuous sub-processes. Because the connecting and / or compaction units of compaction units or combinations in building panel production often operate under significant pressure, professionals often refer to these units relative to the entire equipment as the "press section." In the production of building panels in the sense of this disclosure, the working pressure is mostly in the range of about 50 N / cm² to about 500 N / cm², preferably between 100 N / cm² and 400 N / cm², depending on the material and size of the material to be produced. Although the pressure may be lower than 50 N / cm² when producing building panels for thermal insulation, i.e., so-called thermal insulation boards, even with extremely low density.

[0017] Building panels with at least one layer containing natural fiber components hold a special value among building panels, both economically and in terms of their technological application. In the sense of this disclosure, natural fiber or fiber component refers to fiber or fiber component of a natural origin, i.e., originating from annual or perennial plants, whether these fibers or fiber components exist in pure fiber form, such as for the production of MDF / HDF boards or their layer types, or constitute components of chips, long chips, or wafers traditionally used in the production of particleboard or OSB boards or their layer types. Therefore, the term "wood pellets" as used below always contains at least natural fiber or fiber component.

[0018] Professionals often refer to these building panels simply as "wood-based building panels," even if they have one or more layers that are not based on raw materials obtained from perennial plants. Building panels that consist of only one or more layers at least partially composed of fibers and / or fibrous components obtained from annual plants are often referred to as wood-based building panels, and rarely accurately as "bast fiber building panels" or "herbaceous building panels."

[0019] These types of wood-based building panels are produced in various forms for different applications. Particleboard, OSB (Oriented Strand Board), MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), and HDF (High Density Fiberboard), as well as composite panels consisting of layers of these composites, are the most widely distributed. The name of the building panel depends on the shape and size of the fibers or particles used in the panel or layer structure. Professionals refer to “particleboard” as panels made from “fine” wood particles, while “OSB” refers to panels made from “coarse” wood particles. Professionals generally understand “fine” wood particles as particles with a maximum size not exceeding 60 mm in one spatial direction; often, these particles described as particleboard are even designed with a maximum size of 25 mm or even 20 mm. Professionals generally understand “coarse” wood particles as particles with a maximum size of at least 60 mm in one spatial direction; often, these particles described as particleboard are even designed with a maximum size of 60 mm to 185 mm, particularly 80 mm to 140 mm.

[0020] In contrast, MDF and HDF boards, or their individual layers, are formed from (medium-density or high-density pressed) fibers, which are typically obtained from raw materials through a chemical process, usually involving some kind of cooking process.

[0021] Hybrid boards consist of multiple layers of different types and are particularly suitable when the material board must meet various requirements for its intended use.

[0022] Even if such building panels contain individual layers that do not contain natural fibers and / or a certain proportion of fiber content, they are still referred to as wood-based building panels. This typically involves veneered building panels, i.e., wood-based building panels with a single or double-sided exterior veneer. Plastic is usually used for the veneer. Of particular renown is the so-called coated plywood.

[0023] Therefore, the aforementioned types and kinds of wood building panels are made from wood particles (chips, long chips, or fibers) of different shapes and sizes, which are bonded together under pressure and temperature by stimulating their own adhesion mechanisms and adding adhesives (usually glue) in the so-called press section of the building panel production equipment.

[0024] Recently, efforts have been made to utilize annual plants, particularly grasses, in the production of building materials, in addition to wood, which requires many years to regenerate. These annual plants have the significant advantage of rapid growth. Therefore, their use is particularly resource-efficient and aligns better with the growing global awareness of environmental protection. Furthermore, the increasing prosperity of many countries, such as those in Asia, demands a substantial amount of building materials for residential construction, especially for interior decoration and furniture manufacturing.

[0025] Since annual plants do not form bark, from a production technology perspective, their harvested products initially form a homogeneous raw material, whose fibers can be obtained through a splicing process for use in the production of building materials.

[0026] However, processing annual plants is significantly more complex than processing wood-particle-based building materials. For example, the significant precipitation of silicates, which abrasive to the equipment structure during manufacturing, poses a major obstacle. This necessitates a substantial increase in investment, particularly in equipment manufacturing, due to additional process steps, reinforcement of certain equipment components, and increased demand for spare parts. Furthermore, there is a risk of production downtime.

[0027] Last but not least, the mechanical properties of boards (layers) based on particles made from annual plants differ significantly from those based on wood particles. This results in a virtually arbitrarily complex dependency structure due to the numerous process sections built upon each other, the varying requirements for each process section depending on the type of building material being produced and its desired characteristics, and the parameters affecting the quality of the building material within a single process section.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments, building materials include wood materials, insulation materials, and / or one or more raw materials such as straw, bagasse, bamboo, hemp, and oil palm. Exemplary building panels include particleboard, coarse particleboard, or OSB board and / or MDF board.

[0029] In the sense of this disclosure, the term "building panel" should be understood as, for example, a panel containing at least a substantial proportion (e.g., more than 25% by weight) of at least one of the aforementioned building materials, and in the case of wood-based panels, for example, containing at least a substantial proportion (e.g., more than 50% by weight, particularly more than 75% by weight, e.g., at least 80% by weight) of cellulose-containing materials, such as wood chips. Such building panels may contain other materials, such as plastic materials, which may be present, for example, at least partially, in granular and / or fibrous form.

[0030] Therefore, production equipment for manufacturing building panels can specifically include or correspond to production equipment for manufacturing wood-based panels (or wood-alternative building panels). Such production equipment typically includes multiple production units or sections, such as sections for storage, peeling and / or chopping (e.g., silos), sections for washing wood chips, sections for fiberizing and / or shaving and gluing, sections for drying fibers and / or scraps, sections for forming blanks, and / or sections for hot pressing.

[0031] In particular, the production conditions in each section and / or unit of the production equipment can be characterized by corresponding process parameters. The number of process parameters in a production equipment can typically be large (e.g., up to or even exceeding 2000 in a typical production equipment, such as 3500 process parameters). It should be understood here that the values ​​of process parameters in the sense of this disclosure specifically correspond to the actual values ​​and / or setpoints of the process parameters. Therefore, in exemplary embodiments, the production equipment has at least one sensor and / or at least one measuring device. For example, the production equipment may have one or more pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and / or humidity sensors. The production equipment may also include, for example, one or more measuring devices for measuring the properties of building materials, such as measuring the properties of wood chips. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to such sensors and / or measuring devices. The production equipment may, for example, have at least one production section with at least one sensor. For example, a pressure section may have a pressure sensor, where the corresponding pressure measurement value may correspond to the process parameter "pressure". Alternatively or additionally, a pressure setpoint set in the corresponding pressure section may correspond to the process parameter "pressure".

[0032] In other words, in an exemplary embodiment, the method is performed by a control device of a production equipment or a system including such a control device, wherein the production equipment has at least one sensor and / or at least one measuring device configured to output at least one sensor measurement value and / or at least one measuring device measurement value as a set value or actual value of a corresponding process parameter, and characterizes the corresponding process conditions when producing at least one building panel through the production equipment.

[0033] The exemplary process parameters of this disclosure are not limited, particularly those for the fiberizing and sizing sections, and may include extrusion water volume, steam addition to the digester, digester filling level, digester temperature, digester steam pressure, digester cooking time, wood chip quantity, glue addition, or paraffin addition, etc. The exemplary process parameters of this disclosure are also not limited, particularly those for the board forming section, and may include fiber discharge volume, layup height, forming belt speed, board weight per unit area, board moisture content, layup width, pre-compression pressure, pre-compression distance, trimming width, board density, water spray volume, etc. It should be understood that for other units and / or sections of the production equipment, there are their own process parameters characterizing the corresponding production conditions of these other units and / or sections.

[0034] The production conditions present or set during the production of / to be produced of building panels in production equipment at least partially affect the properties of the produced building panels. Such (quality) properties of the building panels can be characterized, in particular, by quality characteristics or quality parameters. In the sense of this disclosure, quality characteristics or quality parameters may specifically include transverse tensile strength, one or more flexural moduli, apparent density, flexural strength, peel strength, and / or thickness expansion, wherein these examples should not be construed as limiting. Therefore, other quality characteristics or quality parameters may be specified.

[0035] Production equipment can be equipped with appropriate sensors and / or measuring devices in different production sections to record the production conditions of building panels in each section and assign them to the produced building panels. Therefore, sensor data and / or measuring device measurement data can be stored as a dataset corresponding to the corresponding timestamps of the produced building panels. This time-corresponding dataset / data vector contains the process conditions or process states at the time of producing the corresponding building panels.

[0036] At least one production element of a production method can be specifically understood as a tangible and / or intangible good used in the production of building panels, the use of which may be, for example, necessary for the production of building panels. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one production element includes and / or corresponds to at least one material used in the production of building panels. The at least one material may, for example, include or correspond to at least one raw material (e.g., wood, straw, bagasse, bamboo, hemp, oil palm), at least one auxiliary material (e.g., adhesive or glue), and / or at least one operating material (e.g., gas, oil, biomass, electricity).

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the information regarding the at least one production factor includes price information regarding the at least one production factor. The price information regarding the production factor may, for example, include at least one price representing a certain quantity of the production factor, particularly a purchase price. The price of the (certain quantity) production factor may, for example, correspond to the average price of the (certain quantity) production factor (e.g., a time average price) and / or the current price of the (certain quantity) production factor (e.g., a price that is at least temporarily valid or invoked in the market during the execution, control, and / or regulation of the production method). Therefore, if the at least one production factor corresponds, for example, to timber, the information regarding the at least one production factor includes, for example, at least one value representing the average and / or current (purchase) price of (a certain quantity) timber (e.g., the price of one kilogram of timber).

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, in exemplary embodiments, information regarding the at least one production factor includes emissions information regarding the at least one production factor. Emissions information regarding the production factor may, for example, include at least one numerical value representing the amount (e.g., in tons) and / or type (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane, etc.) of greenhouse gases already emitted / to be emitted due to the provision and / or use (a certain amount) of the at least one production factor in the production process. The amount of greenhouse gases may, for example, correspond to the average amount of greenhouse gases already emitted / to be emitted due to the provision and / or use (a certain amount) of the at least one production factor (e.g., a statistical average of several historically known amounts) and / or a model-estimated amount of greenhouse gases. If the at least one production factor corresponds, for example, to wood, glue, and / or an energy carrier (e.g., gas, oil, biomass, electricity), then information regarding the at least one production factor may, for example, include at least one numerical value representing the average and / or model-estimated amount of greenhouse gases and / or their type already emitted / to be emitted due to the provision and / or use (a certain amount) of wood, glue, and / or an energy carrier.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the information regarding the at least one production factor includes sustainability information regarding the at least one production factor. Sustainability information regarding the production factor may, for example, include at least one numerical value describing the amount of production factor required and / or consumed in the production method for producing building materials (such amount may be referred to, for example, as resource consumption). Alternatively or additionally, sustainability information regarding the production factor may, for example, include at least one numerical value representing the proportion of a certain amount of production factor required and / or consumed in the production method that has been recovered (e.g., previously). Such proportion may be referred to, for example, as the recovery ratio of the production factor. The recovery ratio may, for example, correspond to the proportion of recycled and / or recycled materials in a certain amount of production factor required and / or consumed in the production method (e.g., the proportion of recycled wood in the required amount of wood).

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the information about the at least one production factor and / or the values ​​contained in the information are subject to change over time (e.g., the market price of timber, the typical amount of greenhouse gases generated by the supply of timber, and / or the proportion of timber recycled may change over time, for example, due to changes in market conditions and / or due to changes in production conditions in timber production over time).

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, obtaining information about the at least one production element includes receiving, retrieving, and / or reading information, for example from an external device and / or from a computer-readable storage medium. Having obtained information about the at least one production element, the (control) apparatus performing the method according to said aspect can, for example, access the information and / or the numerical values ​​contained therein, and / or use the information or numerical values ​​in at least one subsequent step of the method.

[0042] The method according to the aforementioned aspect includes the step of determining at least one optimized first process parameter based on information about the at least one production factor and using an optimization function, wherein the optimized first process parameter of the at least one is based on or corresponds to a corresponding value of each of the at least one first process parameters of a production method that optimizes the optimization function. In other words, the optimized first process parameter of the at least one may, for example, correspond to the value of the at least one first process parameter that optimizes the optimization function. Alternatively, the optimized first process parameter of the at least one may, for example, correspond to a value that differs from the value that optimizes the optimization function by less than a preset range. Therefore, the optimized first process parameter of the at least one may, for example, have a slight deviation from the value that optimizes the optimization function (e.g., less than a preset range). Such deviation may, for example, be determined by the production equipment used to perform the production method (e.g., due to production tolerances) and / or preset by the user of the production method. The value that optimizes the function may, for example, be understood as the optimal value of the function. Therefore, the optimized first process parameter of the at least one may, for example, correspond to the optimal value of the at least one first process parameter. However, it should be understood that, alternatively, optimization may also be understood as improving as much as possible. Therefore, the optimized first process parameter of the at least one can alternatively correspond, for example, to a value that improves the function value as much as possible (these values ​​can be referred to as the best possible values).

[0043] In other words, in an exemplary embodiment, the optimization function depends on the first process parameter of the at least one, and / or the optimized first process parameter of the at least one represents the value of the first process parameter of the at least one that optimizes the optimization function.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the optimized first process parameter of the at least one includes or corresponds to a value based on which the first process parameter of the at least one is set (e.g., in the future). Setting a process parameter based on a value can be understood, for example, as setting the value for the process parameter (e.g., as a setpoint or actual value). Alternatively, setting a process parameter based on a value can be understood, for example, as setting a value for the process parameter (e.g., as a setpoint and / or actual value) that differs from the value based on which the process parameter is set by a predetermined margin.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one first process parameter corresponds to at least one of the following: Equipment speed for production equipment used to produce building panels; The weight per unit area of ​​the building materials to be produced; The density of the building panels to be produced; Sizing coefficient; Energy carrier input; The supply temperature of the heat transfer oil.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, determining the optimized first process parameter of the at least one includes optimizing the optimization function. In the sense of this disclosure, optimizing a function can be understood, for example, as determining variables such that the function is maximized or minimized. Here, optimizing the optimization function can therefore be understood, for example, as determining the numerical value of the first process parameter of the at least one (which can be understood, for example, as at least one variable of the optimization function) such that the optimization function is optimized. Optimization (i.e., maximizing or minimizing) of the optimization function can be performed, for example, by analytical and / or numerical methods. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, determining the optimized first process parameter of the at least one includes accurately (e.g., analytically) and / or approximately (e.g., numerically) determining the optimized first process parameter of the at least one.

[0047] The optimization function is used to determine the optimized first process parameter of the at least one, which can therefore be understood, for example, as determining which values ​​of the first process parameter of the at least one make the optimization function optimal, as described above.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes obtaining the optimization function. Obtaining the optimization function may include, for example, receiving, retrieving, and / or reading information representing the optimization function, such as from an external device or from a computer-readable storage medium. The information representing the optimization function may, for example, include the numerical value of at least one parameter of the optimization function. In other words, the information representing the optimization function is adapted in the exemplary embodiment to define the optimization function. Alternatively or additionally, obtaining the optimization function in the exemplary embodiment includes determining the optimization function, for example by performing a (control) device according to the method according to the described aspect.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the optimization function includes a cost function and / or a corresponding cost function. The value of the cost function may, for example, represent the cost of producing one or more building panels according to respective values ​​of at least one first process parameter of the production method. In an exemplary embodiment, the cost function is minimized by optimizing the first process parameter of the at least one. In this way, the optimized first process parameter of the at least one can advantageously, for example, reduce the cost of producing building panels.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the optimization function includes and / or corresponds to a profit function. The value of the profit function may, for example, represent the expected profit to be realized by selling one or more building panels, taking into account the cost of producing the building panels according to the respective values ​​of at least one first process parameter of the production method. In an exemplary embodiment, the profit function is maximized by optimizing the first process parameter of the at least one. In this way, the optimized first process parameter of the at least one can advantageously maximize the (expected) achievable profit, for example, taking into account the cost of producing the building panels. The profit function may, for example, depend on price information regarding the building panels. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the profit function may depend on the price of the building panels, particularly the selling price.

[0051] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the method according to the aforementioned aspect further includes: - Get pricing information for this building material.

[0052] Price information regarding building materials may, for example, include at least one numerical value representing the price of the building materials, particularly the selling price. The price of the building materials may, for example, correspond to the average price of the building materials (i.e., a time average price) and / or the current price (i.e., a price that is at least temporarily valid during the execution, control, and / or regulation of the production method, such as a price that can be realized in the market). The characteristics (e.g., quality features) of the produced building materials may, for example, be considered here. If the production method is, for example, a method for producing OSB boards with predetermined characteristics, then the price information regarding that building material may, for example, include at least one numerical value representing the average and / or current price of OSB boards with those predetermined characteristics.

[0053] The above description of the step of obtaining information about the at least one factor of production applies accordingly to the step of obtaining price information. Therefore, obtaining price information may, for example, include receiving, retrieving, and / or reading price information, e.g., from an external device or from a computer-readable storage medium. Having obtained the price information, the (control) apparatus performing the method according to the described aspect may, for example, access the price information and / or use the price information in at least one subsequent step of the method.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the optimization function includes and / or corresponds to an emission function. The value of the emission function may, for example, represent the amount of greenhouse gases emitted (e.g., in tons of CO2 equivalent) due to the provision and / or use (in a certain amount) of at least one production factor in the production method of building panels. In an exemplary embodiment, the emission function is minimized by optimizing a first process parameter of at least one of these parameters. In this way, the optimized first process parameter can advantageously reduce emissions (e.g., CO2 emissions) generated during the production of building panels, for example.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the optimization function includes and / or corresponds to a sustainability function. The value of the sustainability function may, for example, correspond to a numerical value representing the degree of sustainability in the production of building materials. The value of the sustainability function may, for example, depend on the amount of resources (exemplary factors of production) required and / or consumed in the production method of building materials (such amounts may, for example, be referred to as resource consumption of the production method). Alternatively or additionally, the value of the sustainability function may, for example, depend on a numerical value representing the recycling rate of the production method. The recycling rate may, for example, correspond to the proportion of the amount of factors of production required and / or consumed in the production method that, (e.g., previously) obtained through recycling. The recycling rate may, for example, correspond to the proportion of recycled and / or recycled materials in the amount of factors of production required and / or consumed in the production method (e.g., the proportion of recycled wood in the required amount of wood).

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the sustainability function is minimized or maximized by optimizing the first process parameter of the at least one. In this way, the optimized first process parameter of the at least one can, for example, advantageously reduce the resource consumption of the production method and / or increase the recycling rate, thereby improving the sustainability of the production method.

[0057] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the optimization function includes at least one of the following: Cost function; Profit function; Emission function; and / or Sustainability function.

[0058] It should be understood that the optimization function in the sense of this disclosure may correspond to the only one in the above-mentioned optimization function examples, or it may include multiple optimization function examples. Therefore, the optimization function may, for example, include both a cost function and an emission function, or both a cost function and a sustainability function.

[0059] In an exemplary implementation, the cost function and / or profit function are minimized (cost function) or maximized (profit function), wherein (e.g., simultaneously) the function values ​​of the emission function and / or sustainability function do not exceed (emission function) or are not lower than (sustainability function) at least one preset threshold. Alternatively, in an exemplary implementation, the emission function and / or sustainability function can be minimized (emission function) or maximized (sustainability function), wherein (e.g., simultaneously) the function values ​​of the cost function and / or profit function do not exceed (cost function) or are not lower than (profit function) a preset threshold. In other words, for example, one quantity to be optimized (cost, profit, emissions, sustainability) can be optimized while another quantity to be optimized does not exceed or is not lower than a preset threshold (depending on whether it is desirable to minimize or maximize the quantity to be optimized).

[0060] It should be understood that the examples of optimization functions described above are merely non-limiting examples. In principle, optimization functions in the sense of this disclosure can include or correspond to any function whose function value represents a quantity that should be optimized (e.g., maximized or minimized).

[0061] According to the aforementioned aspects, each of the first process parameters of the at least one is associated with at least one of the production elements of the at least one production method. In other words, in an exemplary embodiment, each of the first process parameters of the at least one is associated (e.g., directly) with one or more production elements of the production method. Thus, for example, the exemplary process parameter “wood weight per unit area” is associated with the exemplary production element “wood” (e.g., a higher required / necessary weight per unit area may result in a greater demand for wood). Furthermore, for example, the exemplary process parameter “glue coefficient” is associated with the exemplary production element “glue” (e.g., a larger required / necessary glue coefficient may result in a higher demand for glue). Furthermore, for example, the exemplary process parameter “heat transfer oil supply temperature” is associated with the exemplary production element “gas, oil, biomass, and / or electricity” (e.g., a higher required / necessary heat transfer oil supply temperature may result in a higher energy demand, which subsequently must be met, for example, by a larger quantity of the aforementioned energy carriers). Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the respective demand (e.g., directly or indirectly) for each respective production element of the production method depends on the respective value of at least one of the first process parameters of the at least one.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, information about the at least one production factor includes numerical values ​​that are incorporated into the optimization function as factors, particularly as weighting factors, for each corresponding production factor and process parameter associated with it. For this purpose, information about the at least one production factor may include, for example, numerical values ​​representing parameters of the optimization function (e.g., parameters that vary over time). The parameters of the optimization function may, for example, correspond to a coefficient in the mathematical expression contained in the optimization function. For example, the cost of the glue (in an embodiment where the optimization function is a cost function and the production factor is glue) may depend on the exemplary process parameter, the glue application coefficient, and the price of the glue. Here, the exemplary process parameter, the glue application coefficient, may be understood, for example, as a (e.g., controllable and / or adjustable) variable of the cost function (e.g., because the glue application coefficient can be set in the production method), while the price of the glue may be understood, for example, as a (e.g., uncontrollable and / or unadjustable, but time-varying) parameter of the cost function (e.g., because the price of the glue varies over time but cannot be set). In other words, the first process parameter of the at least one represents a cost-related, adjustable process quantity in the exemplary embodiment, and / or information about the production factor of the at least one includes a numerical value of a cost-related, non-adjustable process quantity. For example, the price of the glue can be used as a coefficient (or weighting factor) of the exemplary process parameter "glue application coefficient". Therefore, the expression representing the cost of glue, contained in the cost function, can, for example, include the glue price as a coefficient and the exemplary process parameter "glue application coefficient" as a variable (the expression may, for example, include the product of the glue price and the glue application coefficient). It should be understood that the cost function, the process parameter "glue application coefficient", and the production factor "glue" mentioned in the above examples are merely examples.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the first process parameter represents a variable of the optimization function, and / or the information about at least one production factor includes the numerical values ​​of the optimization function's parameters (e.g., those that vary over time). Therefore, determining the first process parameter for optimization of at least one based on the (obtained) information about the at least one production factor can be understood, for example, as incorporating the numerical values ​​contained in the information about the at least one production factor as parameters of the optimization function into the optimization process of the optimization function.

[0064] The method according to the aforementioned aspect further includes the step of: using a mathematical model to determine the respective values ​​of at least one second process parameter of the production method, such that when the production method is performed based on the optimized values ​​of at least one first process parameter and the at least one second process parameter, at least one constraint related to the building panel is observed.

[0065] The production method is executed based on the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one, which in an exemplary embodiment corresponds to executing the production method using the parameters / values. Executing the production method using the parameters / values ​​may, for example, include setting these parameters / values ​​at least temporarily during the production method (e.g., as setpoints).

[0066] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the production method is performed based on the optimized values ​​of the at least one first process parameter and the values ​​of the at least one second process parameter, corresponding to performing the production method using the respective values ​​of the at least one first or second process parameter, and the deviations between these values ​​and the optimized first process parameter or the determined values ​​of the at least one second process parameter are less than a preset range. In other words, in the exemplary embodiment, the difference between the values ​​used for the at least one first or second process parameter when performing the production method and the values ​​determined (previously) using the optimization function and mathematical model is less than a preset range.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, complying with at least one constraint related to the building panel corresponds to complying with at least one preset quality criterion for the building panel. Compliance with a preset quality criterion may, for example, correspond to exceeding or falling below a certain quality threshold. A quality threshold can be understood, for example, as a threshold that a quality parameter of the building panel is to achieve (e.g., exceed or fall below). For example, a quality threshold may correspond to a minimum quality threshold (representing a threshold of the minimum quality that the building panel should achieve). A quality parameter of the building panel can, for example, be understood as a numerical value indicating at least one qualitative characteristic of the building panel. Such a qualitative characteristic of the building panel may, for example, be referred to as a quality characteristic. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, complying with at least one preset quality criterion corresponds to at least one quality parameter of the building panel reaching at least one quality threshold.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, the constraints of the at least one related to the building panel may include, for example, the required dimensions (e.g., width, length, height, volume, etc.) and / or the required appearance (e.g., color, surface texture, etc.) of the building panel.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one preset quality criterion of the building panel is measurable and / or predictable during the production process. In other words, in an exemplary embodiment, the preset quality criterion of the at least one is measurable and / or predictable online. The measurability and / or predictability of the quality criterion during the production process (or online) can be understood, for example, as at least one quality parameter of the building panel can be measured and / or predicted during the production process (or online), thereby allowing, as described above, for example (e.g., similarly), to check whether at least one quality parameter of the building panel has reached at least one quality threshold during the production process (or online). The prediction of quality parameters (e.g., of the building panel) during the production process can be referred to, for example, as online quality prediction.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the time frame “during the production method” encompasses the period during which a particular building material to be produced is manufactured. This period may begin, for example, with the first production step of the production method and / or end with the last production step of the production method (see the exemplary description of the production equipment above for this).

[0071] In particular, by using quality criteria that are predictable during the production process, it is advantageous to take into account those quality criteria that cannot be measured, for example, during the production process (or online), when determining and providing optimized process parameters. Thus, it is also advantageous to ensure, for example, compliance with those quality characteristics that cannot be measured online during the production process.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the mathematical model includes a set of model coefficients for one or more mathematical equations constructed based on the values ​​of a first process parameter including the at least one, and further including inputs of at least one value representing a constraint related to the building material of the at least one, outputting respective values ​​of a second process parameter of the at least one; wherein the values ​​of these second process parameters of the at least one enable compliance with the at least one constraint when a production method is performed based on the optimized first process parameter of the at least one and the values ​​of the second process parameters of the at least one.

[0073] In other words, in an exemplary implementation, the mathematical model is constructed to output a value of a second process parameter that matches (e.g., previously) determined value of a first process parameter. Here, the matching value of the second process parameter can be understood, for example, as a value that, when used in conjunction with the value of the first process parameter in the production method (e.g., by setting the values ​​of the first and second process parameters to setpoints), can comply with at least one constraint related to the building panel. In short, this mathematical model advantageously ensures, for example, that only those second process parameter values, determined and / or set in the production method, can, together with the optimized first process parameter, result in the production of (e.g., expected) building panels that satisfy at least one constraint.

[0074] Therefore, by using the numerical values ​​of the second process parameters determined by the mathematical model, it becomes possible to set optimized first process parameters in the production method, thereby enabling the quantity represented by the optimization function to be advantageously optimized while complying with one or more constraints (e.g., one or more preset quality criteria) related to the building materials.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the second process parameter of the at least one corresponds to at least one of the following: At least one extrusion pressure; At least one compression distance; At least one extrusion temperature; At least one preload distance; At least one pre-compression pressure; At least one slab temperature; and / or At least one type of material moisture content.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the mathematical model includes or corresponds to a statistical model. Specifically, in one exemplary embodiment, the mathematical model is based on a so-called interdependent synchronous stochastic linear equation model. Regression models of interdependent synchronous (linear) stochastic equation systems have proven very suitable for modeling building panel manufacturing processes. Processes in the wood materials industry are generally considered interdependent and synchronous because multiple product characteristics arise simultaneously and not independently, and there are interdependencies between influencing factors or process parameters. The model equations can be described as linear because the model coefficients enter the equations in a linear manner. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to such linear systems. For example, process parameters may also be included in the form of squared, cubic, exponential (or other) weights.

[0077] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the mathematical model includes a simultaneous equation model, particularly a mathematical model based on three-stage least squares (3SLS). In an exemplary embodiment, the mathematical model further includes a mathematical model based on two-stage least squares (2SLS), a mathematical model based on partial least squares (PLS), and / or a linear regression model.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the mathematical model is based on machine learning (ML) methods and / or artificial intelligence (KI). For example, the mathematical model may be based on reinforcement learning, deep reinforcement learning, and / or at least one artificial neural network. In particular, reinforcement learning-based mathematical models have proven particularly suitable for depicting or modeling the aforementioned interdependent and / or synchronous processes in the wood materials industry in an extremely accurate and / or robust manner.

[0079] The method according to the aforementioned aspect further includes the step of providing optimized first process parameters and second process parameters of the at least one for use in a production method. In an exemplary embodiment, providing the process parameter values ​​includes transmitting (e.g., sending) these values, for example, to at least one production device for manufacturing building panels. Alternatively or additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, providing these values ​​includes setting these values ​​in the production method for manufacturing building panels, for example, as setpoints. The optimized first process parameters and second process parameters of the at least one may be transmitted and / or set, for example, simultaneously or sequentially. Alternatively or additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, providing the values ​​includes (e.g., temporarily or permanently) storing the optimized first process parameters and / or second process parameters of the at least one, for example, for subsequent transmission and / or setting in the production device for manufacturing building panels.

[0080] Alternatively or supplementarily, in an exemplary embodiment, providing values ​​for the optimized first process parameter and / or the second process parameter of the at least one is provided. Here, outputting the process parameters and / or values ​​may, for example, include internally outputting or forwarding these parameters / values ​​within the control device of the at least one, for example, so that they can be further used by the control device of the at least one. Outputting the parameters and / or values ​​may further include, for example, outputting the parameters and / or values ​​for further processing by an external device (e.g., an external device relative to the at least one control device). For example, the output process parameters and / or values ​​may be converted into display data in the control device or another data processing device, which may be used by a display device (e.g., a screen connected to the control device) to display a corresponding representation or presentation.

[0081] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: - To prompt the display on a display device connected to the production equipment of an optimized first process parameter and / or a second process parameter value of the at least one; and / or - Generate at least one control signal based on the optimized first process parameter and / or the value of the second process parameter of the at least one, for controlling at least one component of the production equipment.

[0082] In other words, in an exemplary embodiment, the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and / or the optimized second process parameter of the at least one can be used to display a representation or presentation of the parameters / values. Here, representation may include, for example, graphically presenting the parameters / values ​​on a screen in the form of a "data value-time curve" (e.g., real-time presentation), wherein the screen, as a display device, can be directly or indirectly connected to a control device and / or production equipment. Such display of the parameters / values, for example, allows users to (e.g., in real-time) monitor the autonomous control / adjustment of the production equipment, and / or to know (e.g., online) which values ​​of the first and / or second process parameters are determined as optimized values ​​and / or set by the autonomous control / adjustment method during the production of building materials.

[0083] Alternatively or supplementally, in an exemplary embodiment, at least one control signal generated based on the optimized values ​​of the first process parameter and / or the second process parameter of the at least one is used to directly control and / or regulate at least one component of the production equipment, for example by using control electronics that operate based on a feedback loop.

[0084] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: - Based on the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one, the production method for producing building panels is controlled and / or adjusted.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the production method is controlled based on the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one, including setting the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one at least temporarily in the production method, for example as set values.

[0086] Alternatively or supplementarily, in an exemplary embodiment, the production method is controlled based on the optimized first process parameter and the values ​​of the at least one second process parameter, including at least temporarily setting corresponding values ​​for the at least one first or second process parameter, such values ​​deviating from the optimized first process parameter or the determined value of the at least one second process parameter by less than a preset range. In other words, in an exemplary embodiment, the deviation between the value set for the at least one first or second process parameter and the optimized process parameter is relatively small (e.g., a preset range).

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, adjusting the production method based on the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the optimized second process parameter of the at least one includes, at least temporarily, setting the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the optimized second process parameter of the at least one in the production method, for example, as setpoints. In an exemplary embodiment, adjusting the production method further includes checking whether, for the first and second process parameters of the at least one production method, the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the optimized second process parameter of the at least one have been (e.g., actually) set and / or measurable, for example, as actual values. If this check is unsuccessful (e.g., if the actual value deviates from the setpoint), in an exemplary embodiment, adjusting the production method further includes, at least temporarily, setting each corresponding adjusted value (e.g., as a setpoint) for the first and / or second process parameters of the at least one production method. These adjusted values, for example, can make the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the optimized second process parameter of the at least one (e.g., actually) set and / or become measurable (e.g., as actual values) because the adjusted values ​​(e.g., as setpoints) have been at least temporarily set for the first and / or second process parameters of the at least one production method. In other words, in an exemplary embodiment, regulating the production method includes at least temporarily controlling a first process parameter and a second process parameter of the at least one, such that, in the production method, optimized values ​​(previously determined) for the first and second process parameters of the at least one are set (e.g., as actual values). This procedure can be referred to as closed-loop regulation, for example. Therefore, it can be understood that regulating the production method can be understood as controlling the production method in a specific manner. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, regulating the production method includes controlling the production method.

[0088] Alternatively or supplementally, in an exemplary embodiment, the production method is adjusted based on the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one, including at least temporarily controlling and / or adjusting the first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one, such that the deviation between the (e.g., actually) set and / or measurable values ​​(e.g., actual values) of the first and second process parameters of the at least one and the at least one and the optimized first or second process parameter values ​​is less than a preset range.

[0089] Control and / or adjustment of the production method based on the parameters / values ​​(e.g., by using the parameters / values) can be performed, for example, by means of at least one control and / or adjustment signal, which is (e.g., previously) generated based on the values ​​of an optimized first process parameter and / or a second process parameter of the at least one, for example as described above.

[0090] In particular, by controlling and / or adjusting the production method based on the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one, it is possible to operate the production equipment for producing building panels in an advantageous manner, thereby achieving both predetermined optimization objectives (e.g., minimizing costs) and compliance with constraints related to building panels (e.g., preset quality).

[0091] Therefore, providing the optimized first process parameter and the optimized second process parameter values ​​of the at least one is for use in the production method for producing building panels.

[0092] By determining and providing optimized first process parameters and second process parameters of the at least one according to the method of the first aspect, it is advantageous to control / regulate the production method of building panels (e.g., by setting the process parameter values ​​to set values), so that on the one hand, the objective function to be optimized (optimization function) is optimized in the desired manner (e.g., minimized or maximized), and on the other hand, at least one constraint related to the building panels (e.g., a preset quality criterion) is complied with.

[0093] For example, the method described above can determine and provide numerical values ​​of (equipment) technical process parameters, through which the production equipment used to produce building panels can be controlled / adjusted, thereby achieving, for example, the preset quality of building panels produced by the production method when, for example, the cost is minimized (when the optimization function is a cost function) and / or the emissions are minimized (when the optimization function is an emission function).

[0094] In short, the method according to the aforementioned aspect enables the determination of optimal values ​​for the (equipment) technical process parameters of the production method for manufacturing building panels, in particular for the advantageous control and / or adjustment of the corresponding production equipment, in accordance with the requirements mentioned at the beginning. Furthermore, determining suitable values ​​for the first and second process parameters using the method according to the aforementioned aspect is more efficient than determining these values ​​(entirely) manually.

[0095] The method according to the described aspect can also reduce the workload of manual control / adjustment, for example, when the provided parameters / values ​​are used for at least partially autonomous control / adjustment of the production method. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the control and / or adjustment of the production method is performed in an autonomous and / or automated manner. Autonomous or automated control and / or adjustment of the production method can be understood, for example, as the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one being set autonomously and / or automatically, for example, as set values, for example, by at least one control device. Here, autonomous and / or automated setting of values ​​can be understood, for example, as the setting being completed automatically, for example, without requiring a human user to trigger the setting. This mode of control / adjustment of the production method can be, for example, referred to as advanced closed-loop adjustment. In an exemplary embodiment, the method according to the described aspect is a method for at least partially autonomous control and / or adjustment of a production method for producing building panels. This autonomous and / or automated control / adjustment of the production method advantageously reduces the workload of manual control / adjustment.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the values ​​of the at least one first process parameter and / or the at least one second process parameter are continuously (e.g., in real time) determined and / or provided by means of the method according to the described aspect. The continuous determination and / or provision of these values ​​can be understood, for example, as the repeated determination and / or provision of the values, particularly at a frequency or number greater than or equal to a preset frequency or number. This continuous determination / provision can be referred to, for example, as a dynamic process in the sense of a real-time control loop.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the optimization function depends on a first process parameter of the at least one, and / or the optimization function does not depend on a second process parameter of the at least one. In other words, in an exemplary embodiment, the optimization function is a function of the first process parameter of the at least one, and / or is not a function of the second process parameter of the at least one. The fact that the optimization function is / is not a function of a process parameter can be understood, for example, as the value of the optimization function changes / does not change when the value of the process parameter changes. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the first process parameter of the at least one is a variable of the optimization function and / or the second process parameter of the at least one is not a variable of the optimization function. The first process parameter of the at least one can be understood, for example, as at least one variable of the optimization function, and the optimized first process parameter of the at least one can be understood as the respective (specific) values ​​of the variables of the at least one (e.g., the values ​​that optimize the optimization function). In particular, this practice of dividing process parameters into first process parameters and second process parameters makes it advantageous to optimize the optimization function in the desired manner according to the first process parameter of the at least one, and further select the value of the second process parameter of the at least one, thereby simultaneously complying with at least one constraint related to the building material.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: - Check whether the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the optimized second process parameter of the at least one ensure that at least one limitation on the control and / or regulation of the production method is considered when the production method is executed based on the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the optimized second process parameter of the at least one; and If the inspection is successful, the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one are provided for use in the production method; If the check is unsuccessful, discard the value of the second process parameter of the at least one, and / or determine a further value of the second process parameter of the at least one.

[0099] A successful check can be understood, for example, as confirming that the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one are such that when a production method is performed based on the parameters / values ​​(e.g., when they are used), at least one limitation on the control and / or regulation of the production method is taken into account.

[0100] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the method includes: - Confirming the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the optimized second process parameter of the at least one such parameter such that when the production method is executed based on the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the optimized second process parameter of the at least one parameter, at least one limitation on the control and / or regulation of the production method is taken into account; and - Provide values ​​for the optimized first process parameter and the optimized second process parameter of the at least one for use in the production method.

[0101] An unsuccessful check can be understood, for example, as confirming that the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one are such that when the production method is performed based on the parameters / values ​​(e.g., when using the parameters / values), at least one limitation on the control and / or regulation of the production method is not taken into account.

[0102] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the method includes: - Confirm that the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the optimized second process parameter of the at least one are such that when the production method is executed based on the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the optimized second process parameter of the at least one, no limitation on the control and / or regulation of the production method is considered; and - Discard the value of the second process parameter of the at least one, and / or determine a further value of the second process parameter of the at least one.

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, discarding the values ​​of the at least one second process parameter includes deleting these values, for example, from a computer-readable storage medium. Furthermore, discarding the values ​​of the at least one second process parameter can be understood, for example, as meaning that the values ​​of the at least one second process parameter are not used in the production method, for example, not for the control and / or regulation of the production method. In an exemplary embodiment, determining further values ​​of the at least one second process parameter includes using a mathematical model to determine another set of values ​​(e.g., a second set, a third set, a fourth set, etc.) of the at least one second process parameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the process of determining another set of values ​​for the at least one second process parameter is repeated until a set of values ​​for the at least one second process parameter is found such that when this set is used in conjunction with the optimized first process parameter of the at least one, the constraints related to the production method of the at least one are complied with.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, the limitation on at least one aspect of controlling and / or regulating the production method is determined by the production equipment performing the production method, and / or preset by the user of the production method. In other words, in an exemplary embodiment, the limitation on at least one aspect of controlling and / or regulating the production method represents a limitation on the technology of controlling / regulating the production method (machinery and / or equipment), and / or represents a limitation on control / regulation preset by the user of the production method. A limitation can be understood, for example, as a restriction (e.g., regarding possible interventions and / or regulation objectives). A user can be understood, for example, as an operator of the production method and / or production equipment.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the limitation on at least one aspect of production method control and / or regulation includes at least one preset threshold value for a first and / or a second process parameter of the at least one aspect of the production method. In the exemplary embodiment, checking whether the optimized values ​​of the first and second process parameters of the at least one aspect, taking into account the limitation on production method control and / or regulation, may include, for example, checking whether the optimized values ​​of the first and second process parameters of the at least one aspect exceed a threshold value (for a lower threshold) or fall below a threshold value (for an upper threshold).

[0106] Alternatively or additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the limitation on at least one of the production method controls and / or regulates includes at least one preset numerical range for a first and / or a second process parameter of the at least one. In the exemplary embodiment, checking whether the optimized values ​​of the first and second process parameters of the at least one, taking into account the limitation on the production method controls and / or regulates, may include, for example, checking whether the optimized values ​​of the first and second process parameters of the at least one are within or outside the numerical range of the at least one.

[0107] Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, the limitation on at least one aspect of the production method control and / or regulation corresponds to a preset state that at least a portion of the production equipment used to manufacture building panels must maintain. In the exemplary embodiment, checking whether the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one result in taking into account the limitation on the production method control and / or regulation of the at least one may, for example, include checking whether the at least one portion of the production equipment maintains the preset, required state when the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one are used in the production method (e.g., set to a set value).

[0108] By taking into account the (machine) technical limitations and / or user-related limitations on the control / regulation of the production method, it is advantageous to ensure that the corresponding production equipment operates with fewer failures and that it operates in the manner required by the user.

[0109] In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: - Obtain information about at least one environmental condition in which the production method is performed, and / or - Obtain the respective values ​​of at least one earlier process parameter of the production method; - Wherein, the determination of the value of the second process parameter for at least one is based on information about the environmental conditions of the at least one and / or based on the value of an earlier process parameter of the at least one.

[0110] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one environmental condition in which the production method is performed includes at least one of the following: The temperature at which the production method is executed; Air humidity during the execution of the production process; The air pressure used when performing the production process.

[0111] The environmental conditions of at least one of these conditions can, for example, affect the production method (e.g., ambient temperature can affect the temperature within a unit or section of the production equipment). Therefore, the correlations described by mathematical models (e.g., the correlation between process parameters of the production method and quality parameters of the building materials) can also, for example, depend on and be affected by the environmental conditions of at least one condition (e.g., when the ambient temperature is relatively low, it may be necessary to increase the supply temperature of the heat transfer oil). Similarly, earlier process parameters of at least one condition can, for example, affect the building materials currently being manufactured (e.g., earlier process parameters set in the first manufacturing step can affect the characteristics of the building materials that have undergone the first manufacturing step after those earlier process parameters were set). In an exemplary embodiment, the earlier process parameters of at least one condition include at least one earlier value of a first process parameter of at least one condition, and / or include at least one earlier value of a second process parameter of at least one condition. It should be understood that "earlier" here specifically refers to the point in time at which the method according to the described aspects is performed, controlled, and / or adjusted. Therefore, earlier process parameters can be understood, for example, as process parameter values ​​set or measured at a point in time prior to when the method according to the described aspect is performed, controlled, and / or adjusted.

[0112] In an exemplary embodiment, since the determination of the second process parameter value of the at least one is based on information about the environmental conditions of the at least one and / or on the value of an earlier process parameter of the at least one, the influence of environmental conditions and / or earlier process parameters on the production method is advantageously taken into account, thereby further improving the accuracy and robustness of determining the value of the second process parameter of the at least one.

[0113] Alternatively or supplementarily, in an exemplary embodiment, the process of determining the optimized first process parameter of the at least one using an optimization function is also based on information about the environmental conditions of the at least one and / or on the values ​​of earlier process parameters of the at least one. In this way, the influence of environmental conditions and / or earlier process parameters on which first process parameter values ​​are optimal at the corresponding time points can be advantageously taken into account, thereby further improving the accuracy of determining the optimized first process parameter in particular.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment, obtaining information about at least one production factor includes at least one of the following: - Receive the information from at least one external device; and / or - Read the information from at least one internal or external computer-readable storage medium.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the (control) device performing the method according to the described aspect is connected to an external device and / or external storage medium for this purpose via a wired and / or wireless communication connection (e.g., a data interface). The external device and / or external storage medium may, for example, be included in or belong to an external system. In an exemplary embodiment, the external system stores information about the at least one production element and / or provides it to the (control) device. The external system may, for example, be a business system that provides or stores information about the at least one production element (e.g., information about the cost of at least one material used, information about energy costs, and / or information about expected sales revenue from building materials). This business system may, for example, correspond to or include an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, the reception and / or retrieval of information regarding the at least one production factor is performed in an automated / automatic manner, that is, initiated by a human user (e.g., directly) who does not require a production method. Conversely, in an exemplary embodiment, the reception and / or retrieval of the information is initiated by at least one signal, such as an update signal, which is sent to the (control) device, for example, by an external device or system of the at least one. An update signal can here be understood, for example, as a signal indicating that at least a portion of the production factor information of the at least one has changed (e.g., has been updated) within a preset time interval.

[0117] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, obtaining information about the at least one production factor includes: - Receive an update signal from at least one external device, the update signal indicating that at least a portion of the information regarding the production elements of the at least one device has changed within a preset time interval; and - Receive the information from the external device of the at least one, and / or read the information from at least one computer-readable storage medium contained in the at least one external device.

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment, the internal storage medium is part of the (control) apparatus for performing the method according to the described aspects. In an exemplary embodiment, information about the at least one production element is stored in and / or saved therein in the internal storage medium. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the (control) apparatus can access the information stored in the internal storage medium, for example, read the information from the internal storage medium.

[0119] Since information about the at least one production factor can be obtained through various means, it is advantageous to ensure that the information about the at least one production factor is as complete and / or up-to-date as possible. In this way, it can be ensured that, at the point in time when the optimized first process parameter is determined, taking into account the information about the at least one production factor that forms the basis for determining the optimized first process parameter, the optimized first process parameter (in effect) brings the optimization function to its optimum.

[0120] In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes obtaining a mathematical model, wherein obtaining the mathematical model includes: - Obtain at least one training dataset containing training input data and training output data; and - Generate a mathematical model based on the training dataset of at least one of these.

[0121] In an exemplary embodiment, obtaining the training dataset of the at least one includes receiving, retrieving, and / or reading the training dataset of the at least one, for example, from an external device or from a computer-readable storage medium. The training dataset can be understood, for example, as a dataset suitable for and / or configured for training a mathematical model.

[0122] Training input data can be understood, for example, as data used as preset input data during the training of a mathematical model (e.g., in the form of supervised learning). In an exemplary embodiment, the training input data includes numerical values ​​of at least one first process parameter and numerical values ​​representing at least one constraint condition related to the building material.

[0123] Training output data can be understood, for example, as data used as preset output data during the training of a mathematical model (e.g., in the form of supervised learning). In an exemplary embodiment, the training output data includes the value of at least one second process parameter, wherein the value of the at least one second process parameter ensures that at least one constraint related to the building material is complied when a production method is performed based on the value of the at least one second process parameter and the value of at least one first process parameter included in the training input data.

[0124] For a production method for producing building panels, the training dataset for at least one of these methods can be obtained, for example, by removing building panels or portions thereof produced by the production method at regular intervals after the production process and measuring one or more characteristics (e.g., quality features) of the removed building panels, for example, in a laboratory or by a testing robot. The measured characteristics can then be used, for example, to check whether one or more constraints (e.g., quality criteria) related to the building panels have been met.

[0125] In this way, the training dataset for at least one of the building panel samples (whole panels or portions thereof) may include actual values ​​(e.g., measurements taken in a laboratory for the corresponding building panel sample) of at least one characteristic (e.g., quality feature) of the building panel sample. Furthermore, the training dataset for at least one of the at least one components may include numerical values ​​(e.g., setpoints or actual values, acquired, for example, by corresponding sensors, measuring devices, and / or adjustment devices of the corresponding production equipment) of the process parameters used in the production method for manufacturing the building panel sample. Here, in an exemplary embodiment, the numerical values ​​of the process parameters are time-distributed process parameter values ​​containing corresponding timestamps. These timestamps correspond to the point in time when the process parameter values ​​characterize the production conditions present during the production of the manufactured building panel.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more model parameters of the mathematical model are then adjusted such that the mathematical model learns to output values ​​of a second process parameter (output data) based on the values ​​of a first process parameter (first input data) and the values ​​representing at least one constraint related to the building material (second input data), such that at least one constraint related to the building material is complied when the production method is performed based on the values ​​of the first and second process parameters (e.g., using said values).

[0127] Accordingly, a mathematical model is generated based on at least one training dataset; for example, this can be understood as training the mathematical model based on the at least one training dataset. Since, as described above, the at least one training dataset contains, for example, actual values ​​of both process parameters and the characteristics (e.g., quality features) of the resulting building material samples, the at least one training dataset advantageously enables the training of the mathematical model. This can be continued with other training datasets (e.g., whenever a new training dataset is obtained during production), allowing the mathematical model to learn and train with more training datasets, thereby advantageously improving the accuracy of the mathematical model.

[0128] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, obtaining the mathematical model includes receiving, retrieving, and / or reading information representing the mathematical model, for example, from an external device or from a computer-readable storage medium. The information representing the mathematical model may, for example, include numerical values ​​representing some or all of the model parameters of the mathematical model. In other words, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, obtaining the mathematical model includes obtaining a pre-trained mathematical model.

[0129] By obtaining a mathematical model in at least one of the above-described methods, it is advantageous to use the mathematical model to determine the values ​​of a second process parameter (as described above) that match the optimized first process parameter. In this way, the optimal (equipment) technical process parameters for the production method of building panels can be advantageously determined.

[0130] Furthermore, the mathematical model obtained in at least one of the above methods, particularly the second process parameter that implements at least one, can be determined, for example, by the control device itself (e.g., locally) performing the method described above. This eliminates the previously necessary process of transmitting the second process parameter from an external device to the control device, for example, via a data interface. This can advantageously reduce network load.

[0131] In an exemplary embodiment, the training input data further includes numerical values ​​representing at least one environmental condition in which the production method is performed, and / or includes numerical values ​​of at least one earlier process parameter of the production method. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the mathematical model is trained based on these numerical values. In this way, the influence of environmental conditions and / or earlier process parameters on the production method is taken into account in the parameters or coefficients of the mathematical model, thereby advantageously further improving the accuracy and robustness of the mathematical model.

[0132] In an exemplary embodiment, generating a mathematical model based on at least one training dataset includes determining at least one model parameter of the mathematical model, such that when the mathematical model uses training input data as input data, the deviation between the output data and the training output data is less than a preset magnitude.

[0133] Whether the deviation between the output data and the training output data is less than a preset magnitude can be determined, for example, by a distance function and / or a distance metric. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, determining at least one model parameter of the mathematical model includes determining that a value of the distance function and / or distance metric is less than or equal to a distance threshold, the distance function and / or distance metric representing the difference between the training output data and the output data determined using the at least one model parameter.

[0134] In other words, in an exemplary implementation, one or more model parameters of the mathematical model are matched based on the training dataset of the at least one, such that the mathematical model learns to output output data that substantially corresponds to the training output data based on input data that substantially corresponds to the training input data. Here, "substantially corresponds" can be understood, for example, as a deviation less than a predetermined margin (e.g., a deviation less than 20% or 10%). Whether the deviation is less than the predetermined margin can be determined, for example, by a distance function and / or a distance metric.

[0135] Determining at least one model parameter based on the training dataset of at least one of the at least one (e.g., in the form of training a mathematical model based on the training dataset) advantageously enables the depiction of complex nonlinear relationships between the quantities represented by the numerical values ​​contained in the training dataset.

[0136] In the exemplary implementation, the optimization function is part of the mathematical model. In other words, in the exemplary implementation, the mathematical model contains the optimization function. In this way, the desired optimization of the quantity to be optimized can be advantageously considered in the mathematical model, and further result in an advantageous, low-complexity algorithmic architecture.

[0137] It should be understood that in this disclosure, the terms "the value of the parameter" and "the value used for the parameter" are used interchangeably.

[0138] It should be further understood that data in the sense of this disclosure, such as sensor data, measurement data, (training) input data, (training) output data and / or the data disclosed below, including any type of information, can be read and / or processed by processing devices, such as at least one control device, processor, system of one or more processors and / or one or more computers, and in particular can be stored on a storage medium connected directly and / or indirectly (e.g., directly, wired or wirelessly) to the at least one control device, processor, system of one or more processors and / or one or more computers in a suitable manner.

[0139] It should be understood that information in the sense of this disclosure, such as information concerning at least one factor of production and / or the information disclosed below, includes any type of computer-readable and / or electronically readable information that can be read and / or processed by processing means, such as at least one control device, processor, system of one or more processors and / or one or more computers. Attached Figure Description

[0140] Other advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention can be found in the detailed description of some exemplary embodiments below, particularly in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are only intended to exemplify the general concept of the invention. In particular, the features included in the drawings should not be considered as essential components of the invention.

[0141] In the attached image: Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary production equipment and control device for producing building panels; Figure 2 shows an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the aspects described in the present invention; Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary aspect of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the aspects described in the present invention; Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to aspects described in the present invention, such as a mobile device. Detailed Implementation

[0142] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary production apparatus 1 for manufacturing a scrap material board as an illustrative example of a building panel according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 also shows a schematic diagram of a control device 200 connected to the production apparatus 1 for controlling and / or adjusting the production apparatus 1, for example, via a schematically shown connection 400. For this purpose, the control device 200 may be configured to perform method steps according to aspects of the present invention. The control device 200 may, for example, include processing equipment, such as a computer and / or computer system, connected to sensors and / or measuring devices (not shown) of the production apparatus 1, for example, to obtain setpoints and / or actual values ​​of process parameters of sections or units of the production apparatus 1 from these sensors and / or measuring devices. Alternatively or additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the control device 200 may include one or more mobile devices, such as one or more smartphones, one or more tablets, and / or one or more laptops.

[0143] In an exemplary embodiment, the control device 200 includes one or more display devices, such as one or more screens, and / or is connected to one or more display devices to display, for example, process parameter values ​​or, for example, quality parameter values ​​of building materials being produced.

[0144] In an exemplary embodiment, control device 200 may include multiple control devices, wherein a single control device may perform one or more steps of the method according to aspects of the present invention. For example, control device 200, shown only schematically in FIG1, may include a processing unit, such as one or more computers, which (via wireless, wired, and / or Internet connection) is connected to sensors and / or measuring devices of production equipment 1, and may also include, for example, at least a mobile device connected to the processing unit (via wireless, wired, and / or Internet connection). Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, particularly the steps involving data display and / or input, may include, for example, using a mobile device, such as a smartphone (e.g., its touchscreen), to display data and / or input.

[0145] Figure 1 also shows a storage device (e.g., one or more hard disks and / or one or more cloud storage units), which can be used, for example, to store training datasets, and is connected to the control device 200 via a schematically shown connection 500.

[0146] In exemplary embodiments, connections conforming to this disclosure, particularly between control device 200 and production equipment 1 (e.g., between control device 200 and one or more sensors, measuring devices, and / or control controllers of production equipment 1), schematically illustrate connection 400 and connection 500, including direct or indirect wired communication connections (e.g., local area network connections), and / or direct or indirect wireless communication connections, including radio connections such as Bluetooth, NFC, WLAN, 4G, or 5G, and / or communication connections via the Internet.

[0147] Figure 1 shows a diagram of a unit, section, or assembly of production equipment 1, which can be used to manufacture building panels. The following sections of production equipment 1 are particularly shown, which can be used in various production steps of manufacturing building panels: chipper 2, shredded material dryer 3, screening device 4, device with mixers 5a and 5b for applying adhesive to the shredded material (this device also represents other devices for applying adhesive to the shredded material), laying device 6, which lays the adhesive-coated shredded material in multiple layers of different shredded sizes onto forming belt 7 through multiple laying heads 6a and 6b to form slabs, continuous press 8, and cutting or milling device 9 for cutting the finished building panels to length.

[0148] In this context, "chipper 2" also refers to a device that pulverizes wood into chips. The diagram exemplarily illustrates five ring-blade chippers, fed from an overhead hopper via a screw conveyor. These chippers can produce chips of different sizes depending on the blade settings. The resulting chips, with varying sizes and moisture content, are then fed to a dryer 3.

[0149] The screening device 4, which follows in Figure 1, can be applied in different implementations to different manufacturing stages. This device can be used to remove fine particles (such as dust) or coarse particles (such as unwanted minerals or clumps) from the debris stream. Screening device 4 can also be used, for example, to achieve grading by debris size during paving, so that different layers of subsequent building slabs can be manufactured using debris of different sizes.

[0150] In the embodiment of Figure 1, for example, two different ranges of shredded material size are generated, which are fed from the hopper into mixer 5a and mixer 5b, respectively. In these mixers, the shredded material is at least partially wetted with a binder.

[0151] Therefore, the paving head 6a, used for the surface layer of the slab to be paved and extruded, can be supplied with a different chip size than the paving head 6b used for the core layer(s).

[0152] A double steel belt press 8, used for manufacturing building panels, particularly wood-based building panels, has an upper press with a heated upper pressure plate and a lower press with a heated lower pressure plate in its basic structure. A frame connects the upper and lower presses, and a pressure sensor is also supported in the frame to provide pressure. In both the upper and lower presses, a continuously wound steel belt is guided around a deflecting roller and forms an extrusion gap to apply pressure and temperature to the slab.

[0153] Furthermore, in Figure 1, a scrap size measuring device 10 (an example of a measuring device) can also be seen after mixer 5. Optionally, a scrap size measuring device 11 can also be provided before the mixer. In these scrap size measuring devices 10, 11, a representative sample of scrap can be measured, such as a very small amount of scrap removed from the transport process at sampling point 20. Exemplary process parameters associated with such scrap measured via scrap size measuring devices may include, for example, the amount of adhesive added through the adhesive nozzle (an example of a first process parameter), the amount of scrap added (another example of a first process parameter), and / or the speed at which the scrap passes through mixers 5a, 5b (an example of a second process parameter), the rotational speed of the shafts of mixers 5a, 5b (another example of a second process parameter), etc.

[0154] The methods described in this disclosure can be performed in conjunction with the production equipment shown in FIG1, but it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the production equipment shown in FIG1.

[0155] According to an exemplary embodiment, process parameters, particularly those for the production of wood materials, such as those for the fiberizing and gluing sections in equipment used to produce wood-based panels, specifically include at least one or more process parameters selected from the following: Extruded water volume; Steam addition amount for the cooker; Cooker liquid level; Cooker temperature; Steam pressure in the cooker; Steaming / cooking time; Wood chip quantity; Paraffin addition amount; Energy consumption of a refiner; Hot mill temperature; Steam pressure in a hot mill; The grinding gap of a hot mill; Grinding disc life; purge valve opening; Fiber pH value; Amount of adhesive applied.

[0156] In an exemplary embodiment, the process parameters of the blank forming section of the production equipment for producing wood-based panels may specifically include at least one or more process parameters selected from the following: Fiber output; Paving height; Forming belt speed; Weight per unit area of ​​slab; slab moisture; Paving width; Preload pressure; Preload distance; Trim width; Slab density; Water volume; Height of the blank at the end of the forming belt; Slab temperature; Spray height; Waste disposal.

[0157] For such process parameters, the production equipment may be equipped with corresponding sensors and / or measuring devices to provide the setpoints or actual values ​​of these process parameters to at least one control device via corresponding communication connections.

[0158] In particular, measured and / or set or actual values ​​of building panels during production can be stored along with corresponding timestamps so that corresponding process parameter values ​​at various points in time are available for the produced building panels. As mentioned earlier, for building panel samples removed, for example, for laboratory measurements, additional measurements of specific attributes (e.g., quality characteristics) can be obtained and stored along with the process parameter values ​​in the training dataset of the corresponding building panel samples. Furthermore, as also explained, environmental conditions and / or earlier process parameter (measurement) values ​​can also be additionally stored in the training dataset of the corresponding building panel samples.

[0159] According to exemplary embodiments, quality characteristics of building panels can be characterized, particularly at least one or more of the following quality characteristics: Internal bond strength; Static flexural modulus; Apparent density; Static bending strength; Surface bonding strength; Thickness expansion rate.

[0160] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the training dataset of the building panel sample includes numerical values ​​(such as set values ​​and / or actual values) of at least one first and / or second process parameters with their respective timestamps, and numerical values ​​(such as measured values ​​and / or laboratory measurements) of at least one characteristic (such as quality feature) of the building panel sample.

[0161] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of method 100 according to aspects of the present invention. Flowchart 100 can be understood as a description of an exemplary method for providing optimized process parameters for a production method of producing building panels, for example, using production equipment 1 shown in Figure 1. Without limiting the invention thereto, it is assumed below that method 100 is executed by control device 200 shown in Figure 1. However, in other exemplary embodiments, method 100 may also be executed by one or more processors of control device 200, and / or by multiple control devices, wherein, for example, one or more of the processors and / or control devices may perform one or more steps of method 100.

[0162] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary aspect of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus, method steps, and (information) elements schematically shown in Figure 3 are intended to illustrate an exemplary aspect of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0163] Therefore, the following text will combine Figure 3 right Figure 2 Steps 110 to 140 of method 100 shown are described in detail.

[0164] As shown in Figure 2, method 100 includes step 110 of obtaining information about at least one production element in a production method for producing building materials. As shown in Figure 3, the information may be received or retrieved by control device 200, for example, from server 301 (an example of an external device), or retrieved or read from database 302 (an example of a computer-readable storage medium) (steps 110a and 110b). In an exemplary embodiment, the information is obtained from an ERP system and / or from other sources. The information may, for example, correspond to time-dependent cost parameters, such as material and energy prices, market revenue, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, dynamic adjustment of optimization functions (e.g., cost functions) is achieved by coupling the device or system for autonomous process guidance with a business system.

[0165] The method 100 shown in Figure 2 further includes a step 120 of determining at least one optimized first process parameter based on information about at least one production element and using an optimization function. The optimized first process parameter of the at least one is based on or corresponds to the respective values ​​of the at least one first process parameter in the production method that optimize the function. Furthermore, each of the at least one first process parameter of the production method is associated with at least one of the at least one production element in the production method. This determination 120 can be performed, for example, by means of the optimization function 20 shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the determination of the optimized first process parameter of 120 can also, for example, take into account the environmental conditions 41 at the time of performing the production method. As further shown in Figure 3, the determination of the optimized first process parameter of 120 can also, for example, take into account earlier process parameters 42. As further shown in Figure 3, earlier process parameters 42 can, for example, correspond to or be based on the values ​​of the first and / or second process parameters determined and provided by method 100 at an earlier or earlier time (see steps 140 and 151 in Figure 3). Here, earlier process parameters 42 can, for example, characterize earlier equipment conditions. As illustrated in Figure 3, the optimization function 20 can be stored, for example, at least temporarily, on the control device 200.

[0166] In an exemplary embodiment, the optimization function 20 is a cost function (or cost calculation function) C(t, P) that depends on both time t and an adjustable process variable P (an example of at least one first process parameter) related to cost. Current material and energy prices, as well as the marketable price of the building materials to be produced, are factored into this function; these prices may, for example, vary over time. For instance, the marketable price of the building materials to be produced may be factored as an adjustable equipment speed (weighting factor), the price of timber may be factored as an adjustable weight per unit area (weighting factor), thus as a factor of the density of the building materials to be produced at a given thickness, the price of glue may be factored as a so-called glue application coefficient (weighting factor), and / or the energy prices of gases, petroleum, biomass, etc., may be factored as adjustable energy consumption of the cogeneration plant and / or adjustable supply temperature of the heat transfer oil, among several non-limiting examples. In this way, when the cost function is used as the optimization function, it can be determined, for example, whether increasing the sizing factor (and thus increasing the amount of sizing) in exchange for the ability to produce building panels at a higher speed is more advantageous, for example, because the market revenue (an example of the selling price) of the building panels to be produced is currently high; or conversely, whether reducing the equipment speed to save glue is more advantageous, for example, because the market selling price is low but the glue price is high. It should be understood that the above explanation is merely illustrative and should not be construed as restrictive.

[0167] As shown in Figure 2, method 100 further includes a step 130 of determining corresponding values ​​of at least one second process parameter of the production method using a mathematical model. The determination of the corresponding values ​​of the at least one second process parameter is such that at least one constraint related to the building material is complied with when the production method is executed based on the optimized first process parameter and the values ​​of the at least one second process parameter. As shown in Figure 3, the optimization function 20 and the mathematical model 30 can both be stored, for example, locally on the control device 200. As further shown in Figure 3, the values ​​representing environmental conditions 41 during the execution of the production method, as well as earlier process parameters 42, can also be passed to the control device 200, for example, as input data, and thus, particularly to the mathematical model 30, and taken into account by the model when determining the values ​​of the second process parameters. As further shown in Figure 3, the values ​​representing constraints 43 related to the building material are also passed to the control device 200, for example, as input data, and thus, particularly to the mathematical model 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the constraints related to the building material include building material quality that must be met, such as online measurable quality and / or online predicted quality. As indicated by the arrow pointing from earlier process parameter 42 to constraint 43, in particular the values ​​of online measurable quality characteristics (constraint 43 may be based on, for example, these quality characteristics) may be based on earlier (and, for example, still measurable) process parameter 42.

[0168] In an exemplary implementation, the mathematical model is a machine learning unit, particularly for autonomous process guidance. This machine learning unit can be based, in particular, on reinforcement learning methods.

[0169] Figure 2 The illustrated method 100 finally includes step 140 of providing values ​​for at least one optimized first process parameter and at least one second process parameter for use in the production method. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the optimized values ​​of the first and second process parameters can be provided, for example, jointly and / or simultaneously by the control device 200. The optimized values ​​of the at least one first process parameter and the at least one second process parameter can be referred to, for example, as optimized process settings.

[0170] like Figure 3As shown, in an embodiment, the method according to this aspect further includes step 150: checking whether the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one ensure that when the production method is executed based on the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one, at least one limitation on the control and / or regulation of the production method is taken into account (e.g., the hopper filling state of the dry crushed material hopper is not allowed to drop below 20%). In an exemplary embodiment, step 150 corresponds to a technical and / or mechanical check of the process settings (e.g., the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and / or the second process parameter).

[0171] As shown in Figure 3, if the check is successful ("Yes" branch), the optimized first process parameter and at least one second process parameter can be provided, for example, for use in the production method. For example, if the check is successful, the above parameters / values ​​can be set in the production method. Therefore, the above parameters / values ​​can then constitute earlier process parameters at subsequent time points (see step 151).

[0172] Conversely, if the check is unsuccessful ("No" branch), as also shown in Figure 3, the optimized values ​​of the first and second process parameters can be discarded, and / or the mathematical model 30 can be reused to determine other values ​​of the second process parameter of the at least one (see step 152).

[0173] In exemplary embodiments, as described above, the method according to the aforementioned aspect can, for example, be used for autonomous process guidance in production methods for building panels. That is, in exemplary embodiments, the method according to the aforementioned aspect, for example, starts from the current process conditions, considers current and time-varying market and cost conditions, assesses which technically feasible / permissible values ​​of different process parameters would result in, for example, optimized costs or emissions, and then autonomously sets these values, for example, in the production method. This can be understood, for example, as a dynamic process in the sense of a real-time adjustment loop. In other words, in exemplary embodiments of the method according to the aforementioned aspect, the actual optimization objective is dynamically dynamized by making the determination of the optimized process settings dependent on conditions (e.g., cost and market conditions) existing during the production method, and by automatically and / or spontaneously matching them. It should be understood that the above description is merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting.

[0174] Furthermore, it should be understood that the optimization function 20 and mathematical model 30 in Figure 3 are shown as independent units purely for illustrative purposes. As previously mentioned, the optimization function may also be, for example, part of the mathematical model.

[0175] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a control device 200, which is configured to perform the methods according to aspects of the present invention. The control device 200 may, for example, be included in the control unit of a production device.

[0176] The control device 200 includes a processor 50, a program memory 51, a working memory 52, a user data memory 53, one or more communication interfaces 54, a detection unit 55 for detecting actual or set values ​​of one or more process parameters, and a user interface 56.

[0177] In an exemplary embodiment, the user interface 56 includes: At least one keyboard and at least one screen; One or more voice input methods; One or more touchscreens; and / or Mobile devices connected to production equipment, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

[0178] In exemplary embodiments, the user interface is connected directly to the production equipment and / or to at least one control device via wired and / or wireless means, and / or, for example, via the Internet. In exemplary embodiments, the user interface includes display devices, such as one or more screens, and input devices, such as one or more keyboards, computer mice, and / or input / output devices, such as one or more touchscreens and / or voice input means. In exemplary embodiments, the at least one control device includes a mobile device, such as one or more smartphones, one or more tablets, and / or one or more laptops, wherein in these embodiments, the user interface particularly includes one or more touchscreens of the mobile device. The Internet connection of the at least one control device advantageously enables remote control and / or adjustment by the user, which is particularly advantageous when the user is responsible for multiple production devices.

[0179] Processor 50 executes, for example, a program stored in program memory 51 for performing the method according to aspects of the present invention. Working memory 52 is specifically used to store temporary data during program execution.

[0180] User data storage 53 is used to store data required during program processing and can correspond to... Figure 1 Storage medium 250.

[0181] The communication interface 54 includes one or more interfaces for the device to communicate, particularly with production equipment 1 and / or at least with portions of production equipment 1 (e.g., one or more sensors and / or one or more measuring devices). This interface may be based on wired and / or wireless technologies, such as cellular mobile communications (e.g., GSM, E-GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G) or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network).

[0182] The user interface 56 can be designed as a screen and keyboard, or as a touch display (touchscreen). The user interface 56 can be directly (e.g., via a wired connection) connected to the processor 50 and / or the control device 200, and / or (multiple user interfaces 56 can be provided) connected to the processor 50 and / or the control device 200 via wired and / or wireless (e.g., based on GSM, E-GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G, and / or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) technologies), such as a communication connection including an internet connection. In the latter case, a remote connection to the control device 200 can be achieved, thereby allowing, for example, a user to remotely access the control device 200 and operate multiple control devices 200 as needed.

[0183] The exemplary embodiments of the invention described in this specification should also be understood as being disclosed in all combinations thereof. In particular, the description of features included in a particular embodiment—unless expressly stated otherwise—should not be construed as meaning that the feature is essential or crucial to the functionality of that embodiment. The order of method steps described in this specification is not mandatory, and alternative orders of method steps are possible unless otherwise stated. The method steps can be implemented in different ways, and can be considered to be implemented in software (by program instructions), hardware, or a combination of both.

[0184] Terms used in the patent claims, such as "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing," do not exclude further elements or steps. The expression "at least part" covers both "partial" and "complete" cases. The expression "and / or" should be understood to disclose both options and combinations; that is, "A and / or B" means "(A) or (B) or (A and B)." In the context of this specification, plural units or analogues mean multiple units or analogues. The use of indefinite articles does not exclude plural cases. A single device can perform the functions of multiple units or devices mentioned in the patent claims. Reference marks given in the patent claims should not be considered as limitations on the means and steps employed.

Claims

1. A method, said method being performed, for example, by at least one means or by a system comprising at least two means, wherein the method comprises: - Obtain information on at least one production element of the production method used to produce building panels; - Based on information about the at least one production factor and using an optimization function, at least one optimized first process parameter is determined, wherein the at least one optimized first process parameter is based on or corresponds to a corresponding value of the at least one first process parameter of the production method that optimizes the optimization function, and wherein each of the at least one first process parameter of the production method is associated with at least one of the at least one production factor of the production method. - Use a mathematical model to determine the corresponding values ​​of at least one second process parameter of the production method, such that when the production method is executed based on the optimized values ​​of the first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one, at least one constraint related to the building panels is complied with. as well as - Provide values ​​for the optimized first process parameter and the optimized second process parameter of the at least one for use in the production method.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the optimization function depends on the first process parameter of the at least one, and / or wherein the optimization function is independent of the at least one second process parameter.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises: - Based on the optimized first process parameter and the values ​​of the second process parameter of the at least one, the production method for producing building panels is controlled and / or adjusted.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the method further comprises: - Check whether the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one ensure that at least one limitation on the control and / or regulation of the production method is considered when the production method is executed based on the values ​​of the optimized first process parameter and the second process parameter of the at least one; and In case of a successful check, the values of the at least one optimized first process parameter and the at least one second process parameter are provided for use in the production method; In case of an unsuccessful check, the value of the at least one second process parameter is discarded and / or a further value of the at least one second process parameter is determined.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the limitation on at least one of the production method controls and / or regulates is determined by the production equipment used to perform the production method, and / or preset by the user of the production method.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein compliance with at least one constraint related to the building panel corresponds to compliance with at least one preset building panel quality criterion.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the preset quality criteria for the building panels of the at least one of them are measurable and / or predictable during the production process.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method further comprises: - Obtain information about at least one environmental condition in which the production method is performed, and / or - Obtain the corresponding values ​​of at least one earlier process parameter of the production method; - Wherein, the determination of the value of the second process parameter of the at least one is based on information about the at least one environmental condition and / or based on the value of an earlier process parameter of the at least one.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein obtaining information about the production factors of the at least one comprises at least one of the following: - Receive the information from at least one external device; and / or - Read the information from at least one internal or external computer-readable storage medium.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the method further comprises obtaining a mathematical model, and obtaining the mathematical model comprises the following: - Obtain at least one training dataset containing training input data and training output data; and - Generate a mathematical model based on the training dataset of at least one of the above.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein generating a mathematical model based on the training dataset of the at least one comprises determining at least one model parameter of the mathematical model, such that when the mathematical model uses training input data as input data, the deviation between the output data and the training output data is less than a preset magnitude.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the optimization function is part of the mathematical model.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the optimization function comprises at least one of the following: Cost function; Profit function; Emission function; and / or Sustainability function.

14. An apparatus or a system comprising at least two apparatuses, configured to perform and / or control the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or including respective means for performing and / or controlling the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A computer program, including program instructions, which, when executed on one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform and / or control the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A building panel, manufactured by a method comprising any one of claims 1 to 13.

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