Product processing system with central user management

Abstract

The product processing system (1) comprises several processing machines (3, 5, 25). The product processing system (1) includes a user interface (38) which allows a user profile to define an authorization level for each of the several processing machines (3, 5, 25). The product processing system (1) includes a control system (27) which is configured, when a user profile logs in, to enable functions on at least one of the several processing machines (3, 5, 25) according to the defined authorization level for that at least one of the several processing machines (3, 5, 25).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a product processing system with multiple work machines. The product processing system can be designed as a packaging line or food processing system.

[0002] EP 2 110 329 A2 discloses portable data storage devices for logging in and verifying personal access authorizations on a packaging machine. Log-in devices are provided at the respective workstations of the packaging machine. These are connected to a control unit via data lines. The control unit can access machine-specific data or access rights assigned to a specific personnel number. Upon login, the control unit can grant hierarchically graded access rights based on transmitted information. One possible classification of the scope of access rights could be assigned, for example, based on whether operating personnel (low access rights), setting personnel (medium access rights), or service personnel (comprehensive access rights) are logging in.

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide improved user management for a product processing system.

[0004] According to one aspect of the invention, a product processing system is provided. The product processing system comprises a plurality of work machines. The product processing system comprises a user interface. The user interface allows a user profile to define an authorization level for each of the plurality of work machines. The product processing system comprises a control system. The control system is configured, when a login occurs with the user profile, to enable functions on at least one of the plurality of work machines according to the defined authorization level for the at least one of the plurality of work machines.

[0005] The user profile can be assigned to a specific user.

[0006] The product processing system can comprise at least one login device. In particular, the work machines can each comprise a login device. A user can log in to a login device using their user profile. This can result in a login to the product processing machine or to at least one of the multiple work machines. The login device can, for example, enable the entry of a user ID and an associated password that are associated with the user profile of the user to be logged in. The login device can comprise a reading device for an identification token of the user to be logged in. The reading device can be configured to read user-specific information from the identification token and thus identify a user profile associated with the identification token and initiate a login using the user profile.The identification token can be carried by the owner of the assigned user profile, for example in the form of an employee ID card.

[0007] Different users can be logged in to different work machines simultaneously, each with their own user profile. These different users can then use the functions of the respective work machine according to the authorization level assigned to them for that work machine.

[0008] Using the user interface, different authorization levels can be assigned to the user profile for different work machines. The authorization levels for a user profile can be individually configured based on the area of ​​activity and / or the knowledge of the respective user.

[0009] Setting a permission level for each of the multiple work machines may involve setting the permission levels for each work machine separately. For example, the permission levels for each work machine may be entered sequentially on the user interface.

[0010] Setting an authorization level for each of the multiple work machines may include setting the authorization levels for a group of the work machines together.

[0011] By defining authorization levels, you can determine which functions of individual machines can be used by a specific user. This can reduce the risk of incorrect operation.

[0012] The control system can be configured to enable functions on at least one of the plurality of work machines according to the defined authorization level for the at least one of the plurality of work machines and to block the remaining functions when a login occurs with the user profile.

[0013] When a user logs in to a work machine using the user profile, the control system can be configured to enable one or more functions on the work machine according to the defined authorization level for the work machines and, in particular, to block the remaining functions.

[0014] Since the user interface allows the authorization levels to be defined for each of the multiple work machines, authorization levels can be managed efficiently and time-savingly. In particular, it is no longer necessary to set the authorization levels for a specific user profile separately on each work machine. The ability to centrally enter the authorization levels for each work machine, especially when creating a new user profile or when commissioning the product processing system for the first time, results in considerable simplification and time savings.

[0015] Setting permission levels for a user profile may require logging into the user interface with sufficient security clearance. For example, logging in with an administrator account or another account with sufficiently high security clearance may be required. The required security clearance may, for example, be accessible to a person responsible for the product processing system.

[0016] The product processing system can be designed as a packaging line or as a food processing system.

[0017] The product processing system may include a product supply device. The product supply device may be configured, for example, as a food cutting machine. The product supply device may be configured, for example, as a slicer for food products. The product supply device may, for example, slice food products such as sausage, meat, or cheese products and dispense them in portions.

[0018] The product processing system may include a packaging machine. The packaging machine may be configured to package products provided by the product provision device. The packaging machine may be arranged downstream of the product provision device along a production direction and receive products to be packaged from the product provision device.

[0019] The packaging machine can be designed, for example, as a tray sealer or as a thermoforming packaging machine or as a flow-wrapping machine.

[0020] The packaging machine can comprise a forming station, an insertion section, a sealing station, and a cutting station, which can be arranged one behind the other in the specified order along a production direction. The packaging machine can comprise a transport device. The transport device can be configured to convey a material web, in particular a film web, along the production direction through the packaging machine. The forming station can be configured to form packaging troughs in the material web by deep drawing. In the insertion section, products can be inserted into the packaging troughs, in particular manually or by an insertion system, such as a gripper system. In the sealing station, the packages filled with product can be closed by sealing a cover film. In the cutting station, the closed packages can be cut out of the material composite and thus separated.

[0021] The packaging machine can comprise a tray feeder, an insertion section, a sealing station, and a cutting station, which can be arranged one behind the other in the specified order along a production direction. The tray feeder can be configured to provide trays, for example by stacking the trays. The packaging machine can comprise a transport device. The transport device can be configured to convey the trays from the tray feeder along the production direction through the packaging machine. In the insertion section, products can be inserted into the trays, in particular manually or by an insertion system, such as a gripper system. In the sealing station, the trays filled with product can be closed by sealing a cover film.In the cutting station, the closed shells can be cut out of a composite material and thus separated.

[0022] The product processing system may include a labeling device. The labeling device may be configured to apply labels to packaging. The labeling device may, for example, be provided in the area of ​​the packaging machine.

[0023] The product provision device can represent a work machine for which an authorization level can be specified on the user interface. The packaging machine as a whole can represent a work machine for which an authorization level can be specified on the user interface. Additionally or alternatively, individual stations or components of the product provision device and / or the packaging machine can also represent work machines for which an authorization level can be specified on the user interface. For example, the forming station, the sealing station, and / or the cutting station can each represent a work machine for which an authorization level can be specified on the user interface. The labeling device can represent a work machine for which an authorization level can be specified on the user interface.

[0024] Each authorization level of a work machine can be assigned one or more functions of the work machine that are accessible to user profiles with the respective authorization level on the work machine. Several possible authorization levels can be provided for each individual work machine, one of which can be selected on the user interface for a user profile. For example, one or more authorization levels can be provided for a work machine that provide access to functions that are required to operate the work machine during normal operation. One or more authorization levels can be provided for a work machine that permit adjustment of the work machine. One or more authorization levels can be provided for a work machine that permit maintenance or modification work on the work machine.An authorization level may be provided for a work machine which does not permit any operation of the work machine.

[0025] One or more of the multiple work machines can have their own controller. The separate controller can control the operation of the respective work machine and / or coordinate the operation of the respective work machine with the operation of other work machines or with a higher-level system. The control system can include controllers for the individual work machines or be higher-level than these. The product processing system can include multiple hierarchical control levels. For example, the product processing system can include a line controller that controls the overall operating sequence. For example, a controller for the product supply device, a machine controller for the packaging machine, and / or a controller for the labeling device can be subordinate to the line controller.The packaging machine's control system can control workstations, such as the forming station, the sealing station, and the cutting station. These stations can optionally include their own control systems, which can be subordinate to the machine control system.

[0026] The user interface may comprise a personal computer (PC). The personal computer may be an office personal computer or an industrial personal computer (IPC). The personal computer may comprise a display, a calculator, and one or more input devices, such as a keyboard.

[0027] The user interface can be located at a distance from the plurality of work machines. For example, the user interface can be located in a different room than the plurality of work machines. The user interface can, for example, be located in an office room, particularly in the form of a personal computer, while the plurality of work machines are located in one or more production rooms. The user interface can be connected to the control system and / or to a controller of the product processing system via a network connection. For example, the user interface can be connected to the line controller or to the machine controller of the packaging machine or to a controller of one or more work machines via a network connection. The network connection can be an Ethernet connection. The network connection can be at least partially wired.The network connection can be at least partially wireless, in particular as a radio connection.

[0028] The user interface, in particular a personal computer of the user interface, can be provided in the same room as at least one of the multiple work machines. The user interface can be provided on one of the multiple work machines. The user interface can be integrated into an operating interface of one of the multiple work machines. The user interface can be integrated into an operating interface that allows operation of one or more of the multiple work machines. The user interface can be integrated into an operating interface of the line control system.

[0029] The product processing system can comprise multiple user interfaces. The user interfaces can be used selectively and each allow the definition of authorization levels for the user profile. An operator can freely select one of the user interfaces and, via the selected user interface, define an authorization level for each of the multiple work machines for a user profile. A complete set of authorization levels, i.e., at least one authorization level for each of the multiple work machines, can be defined for each of the user interfaces for a user profile. In particular, if one or more of the user interfaces are integrated into an existing operating interface, multiple user interfaces can be implemented with comparatively little effort. The multiple user interfaces can comprise one or more user interfaces designed as personal computers.Personal computers can be given the function of a user interface by installing a suitable program. Authorized personnel can conveniently set authorization levels for a user profile from their office, without disrupting the operational workflow of the work machines.

[0030] The multiple user interfaces may include user interfaces provided on different work machines of the multiple work machines. The user interfaces provided on the work machines may each be integrated into an operating interface of the work machine.

[0031] The product processing system may include a central data store. The central data store may be configured to centrally store an assignment of the defined authorization levels to the user profile. The central data store may be connected directly or indirectly to the user interface or to all user interfaces for data communication. The central data store may be provided on one of the work machines. The central data store may be provided as cloud-based storage. The central data store may be provided as network storage. The central data store may be provided on a control unit of the product processing system. The central data store may be provided in a control cabinet of the product processing system. The central data store may comprise a hard disk, an SSD, or a flash memory.

[0032] The plurality of work machines can be configured to retrieve at least the authorization level for the respective work machine from the central data store when a user logs in to the work machine using the user profile. In particular, a controller of the respective work machine can be configured to retrieve the authorization level for the work machine from the central data store when a user logs in to the work machine using the user profile. The work machine can be configured to enable functions on the work machine based on the authorization level retrieved from the central data store.

[0033] The plurality of work machines can each comprise a work machine data store. The work machine data store of a work machine can be configured to store at least one assignment of the authorization level defined for the work machine to the user profile. The work machine data stores can be connected directly or indirectly to the user interface or to the plurality of user interfaces for data communication. The user interface or the plurality of user interfaces can be configured to send the assignment of the authorization level defined for a work machine to the user profile to the respective work machine, wherein the assignment is then stored in the work machine data store of the work machine. Local storage in work machine data stores simplifies quick access to the user authorizations on the work machines.In particular, existing work machine data storage can be used, eliminating the need for an additional central data storage. A controller for the respective work machine can be configured to retrieve the authorization level for the respective work machine from the work machine data storage when a user logs in to the work machine using the user profile.

[0034] The work machine data store of a work machine may be configured to store the assignment of the authorization level defined for the work machine to the user profile, but not the assignment of the authorization levels defined for the other work machines of the plurality of work machines to the user profile.

[0035] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating a product processing system. A user interface centrally defines an authorization level for each of a plurality of work machines of the product processing system for a user profile. Functions of at least one of the plurality of work machines are enabled according to the authorization level defined for at least one of the plurality of work machines when a login with the user profile occurs.

[0036] The product processing system can be a packaging line or a food processing system.

[0037] An assignment of the defined authorization levels to the user profile can be stored in a central data storage.

[0038] An assignment of the authorization level defined for one of the multiple work machines to the user profile can be stored in a work machine data memory of the one of the multiple work machines.

[0039] As described, one aspect of the invention relates to a product processing system, and another aspect relates to a method for operating a product processing system. Features, explanations, or descriptions given with respect to one of these aspects can be applied to the other aspect. In particular, the method can be carried out using the product processing system. The product processing system can be suitable, designed, and / or configured to carry out the method.

[0040] In the following, the invention is further explained using embodiments with reference to the figures.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a product processing system according to an embodiment with a decentralized storage of the authorization levels in work machine data memories.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a product processing system according to an embodiment with a central storage of the authorization levels in a central data store.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a product processing system 1. The product processing system 1 comprises a product supply device 3 and a packaging machine 5, which are arranged one after the other along a production direction 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the product supply device 3 comprises a product slicing device in the form of a slicer for food products. The slicer cuts food products, such as cheese, sausage, or meat products, into slices and delivers them as portions 9. The portions 9 are transported along the production direction 7 to the packaging machine 5 by means of a conveyor device 10.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the packaging machine 5 is designed as a thermoforming packaging machine. The packaging machine 5 comprises, along the production direction 7, a forming station 11, an insertion section 13, a sealing station 15, and a cutting station 17. A transport device of the packaging machine 5 transports a material web 21, in particular a film web, drawn from a supply roll 19 along the transport direction 7 through the forming station 11, the insertion section 13, the sealing station 15, and the cutting station 17. In the forming station 11, packaging troughs 23 are formed in the material web 21 by thermoforming. In the insertion section 13, the portions 9 provided by the conveyor device 10 are inserted into the packaging troughs 23. In the sealing station 15, the filled packaging troughs 23 are closed by sealing a lidding film.In cutting station 17, the finished packaging is removed from the composite material and thus separated.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the product processing system 1 also comprises a labeling device 25, which is provided in the area of ​​the packaging machine 5 and prints labels and applies them to the packaging.

[0046] The product processing system 1 comprises a control system 27. The control system 27 comprises several controllers, including a line controller 29, which controls the overall operation of the product processing system 1 and coordinates the individual components with one another. A machine controller 31 of the packaging machine 5, a controller 33 of the product supply device 3, and a controller 35 of the labeling device 25 are subordinate to the line controller 29. The machine controller 31 of the packaging machine 5 can partially or completely control the operation of the workstations of the packaging machine 5, in particular the forming station 11, the sealing station 15, and the cutting station 17. Optionally, the workstations of the packaging machine 5 can each have their own controller, which can, for example, be subordinate to the machine controller 31 of the packaging machine 5.The controllers 29, 31, 33, 35 can each comprise a user interface 36 which allows the control of functions of the product processing system 1.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 27 comprises a personal computer 37 which is connected to the controllers 29, 31, 33, 35 for data communication.

[0048] To enable efficient management of user-based access control, a user interface 38 is integrated into the operating interface 36 of each of the controllers 29, 31, 33, 35. A further user interface 38 is located on the personal computer 37. The user interfaces 38 can be used selectively to define an authorization level for a specific user profile for each of several work machines of the product processing system 1. The work machines can be, for example, the product supply device 3, the packaging machine 5, and the labeler 25. Alternatively or additionally, one or more stations of the packaging machine 5, for example, the forming station 11, the sealing station 15, or the cutting station 17, can be viewed as a separate work machine for which an authorization level can be defined.

[0049] In order to define authorization levels for a user profile, an authorized person, for example a person responsible for the product processing system 1, can log in to any of the user interfaces 38 and there define an authorization level for the user profile for each of the work machines.

[0050] Login devices 40 are provided on the individual work machines, to which a user can log in using their user profile. When a login occurs using a user profile, the functions of the work machine are enabled on the respective work machine according to the authorization level specified for the user profile for the work machine.

[0051] In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, the work machines each comprise a work machine data memory 41, which stores an assignment of the authorization level defined for the respective work machine to the corresponding user profile. When a user logs on to a work machine with their user profile, the controller 31, 33, 35 of the respective work machine accesses the corresponding work machine data memory 41 and determines the authorization level defined for the user profile for the work machine, and enables functions of the work machine according to the authorization level.

[0052] The embodiment according to Fig. 2 differs from the embodiment according to Fig.1 in that the assignment of authorization levels to a user profile is not stored locally on the individual work machines in work machine data stores 41. Instead, the assignment of the specified authorization levels to the corresponding user profile is stored centrally in a central data store 43.

[0053] The central data storage 43 is connected to the user interfaces 28 for data communication. Furthermore, the central data storage 43 is connected to the controllers 31, 33, 35 for data communication. When a user logs in to a work machine with a user profile, the controller 31, 33, 35 of the respective work machine retrieves the authorization level for the respective work machine from the central data storage 41 and enables functions of the work machine according to the retrieved authorization level. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2 110 329 A2

[0002]

Claims

[1] Product processing system (1), in particular a packaging line or food processing system, wherein: the product processing system (1) comprises several working machines (3, 5, 25); the product processing system (1) includes a user interface (38) which allows a user profile to be assigned an authorization level for each of the several work machines (3, 5, 25); and the product processing system (1) includes a control system (27) which is configured, when a user profile is logged in, to release functions on at least one of the several work machines (3, 5, 25) according to the specified authorization level for at least one of the several work machines (3, 5, 25). [2] Product processing system according to claim 1, wherein the user interface (38) comprises a personal computer (37). [3] Product processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the user interface (38) is provided on one of the several working machines (3, 5, 25), in particular is integrated into an operating interface (36) of one of the several working machines (3, 5, 25). [4] Product processing system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the product processing system (1) comprises several user interfaces (38) which can be used selectively and each allow the setting of the authorization levels for the user profile. [5] Product processing system according to claim 4, wherein the multiple user interfaces (38) comprise user interfaces (38) which are provided on different working machines (3, 5, 25) of the multiple working machines (3, 5, 25). [6] Product processing system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the product processing system (1) comprises a central data storage (43), wherein the central data storage (43) is configured to centrally store an assignment of the defined authorization levels to the user profile. [7] Product processing system according to claim 6, wherein the multiple working machines (3, 5, 25) are configured to retrieve at least the authorization level for the respective working machine (3, 5, 25) from the central data storage (43) when a login with the user profile takes place at the working machine (3, 5, 25). [8] Product processing system according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the multiple working machines (3, 5, 25) each comprise a working machine data storage device (41), wherein the working machine data storage device (41) of a working machine (3, 5, 25) is configured to store at least one assignment of the authorization level defined for the working machine (3, 5, 25) to the user profile. [9] Product processing system according to claim 8, wherein the machine data storage (41) of a machine (3, 5, 25) is configured to store the assignment of the authorization level defined for the machine (3, 5, 25) to the user profile, but not the assignment of the authorization levels defined for the other machines (3, 5, 25) of the multiple machines (3, 5, 25) to the user profile. [10] Method for operating a product processing system (1), in particular a packaging line or a food processing system, comprising: at a user interface (38) centrally define for a user profile one authorization level for each of several work machines (3, 5, 25) of the product processing system (1); and Enabling functions of at least one of the several work machines (3, 5, 25) according to the authorization level defined for at least one of the several work machines (3, 5, 25) when logging in with the user profile. [11] Method according to claim 10, further comprising: storing an assignment of the defined authorization levels to the user profile in a central data storage (43). [12] Method according to claim 10, further comprising: storing an assignment of the authorization level defined for one of the several work machines (3, 5, 25) to the user profile in a work machine data storage (41) of one of the several work machines (3, 5, 25).

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