METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE AUTOMATIC GENERATION OF AN INDUSTRIAL SEQUENCE FOR THE DESIGN OF CUSTOM-MADE PACKAGING

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for generating at least one industrial sequence for manufacturing custom packaging, each industrial sequence comprising a plurality of operations adapted to be implemented in a predetermined order. The invention includes receiving (200) values ​​of characteristics of the custom packaging; generating (300) a plurality of industrial sequences using available manufacturing machines; verifying the compatibility of the operations, said verifications being carried out in reverse order to the predetermined order; calculating (400) at least one production characteristic value; and selecting (500) at least one industrial sequence for manufacturing the custom packaging based on the calculated production characteristic values. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE AUTOMATIC GENERATION OF AN INDUSTRIAL SEQUENCE FOR THE DESIGN OF CUSTOM-MADE PACKAGING Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of packaging design. In particular, it relates to a method for automatically generating an industrial sequence for the design of custom packaging. The invention further relates to a computer device configured to automatically generate an industrial sequence for the design of custom packaging. Prior art

[0002] Below we describe the known prior art from which the invention was developed.

[0003] In the field of custom packaging, for example, configurator-type solutions are known that allow a user to describe a custom packaging that he wishes to obtain. Such configurators aim to collect the customer's needs and translate them into the language of a company's operators. The operator will then be able to work on the customer's needs and offer him a solution that meets these expectations.

[0004] The manufacture of personalized or tailor-made packaging taking into account the requirements and / or preferences of the user generally requires an individualized design and combination of transformations. Therefore, tailor-made packaging is generally longer to manufacture and more expensive.

[0005] In the field of custom packaging, no solution has been proposed that allows for the automatic generation of an industrial sequence allowing for a design adapted to custom packaging. This remains a task entrusted to experts in the field who, based on their know-how, the manufacturing machines and the materials at their disposal, will propose a solution to a customer based on their needs.

[0006] However, such a methodology does not generally lead to the best solution for the client on the one hand and requires waiting a significant period of time for the expert to respond on the other hand.

[0007] Solutions have been proposed in other technical fields for product customization (EP3764268), but these solutions are not transposable to field of custom packaging on the one hand and do not allow for the establishment of an optimal design strategy. Other solutions have been proposed for the automated manufacturing of custom products (US9691110), but they do not allow a user to obtain an industrial design sequence adapted to his needs on the one hand and are not transposable to the field of packaging on the other hand.

[0008] Thus, there is a need for a solution for the automated generation of an industrial sequence for the design of custom packaging. Summary of the invention

[0009] The following presents a simplified summary of selected aspects, embodiments, and examples of the present invention for the purpose of providing a basic understanding of the invention. However, the summary is not intended to be an exhaustive overview of all aspects, embodiments, and examples of the invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to present selected aspects, embodiments, and examples of the invention in a concise form, as an introduction to the more detailed description of the aspects, embodiments, and examples of the invention that follow the summary.

[0010] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a method for the automated generation of an industrial sequence for the manufacture of custom-made packaging, said method making it possible to obtain an industrial sequence for manufacturing adapted to the needs of a user, and which can be executed quickly.

[0011] The invention relates in particular to a method for automatically generating at least one industrial sequence for the manufacture of custom-made packaging, each industrial sequence comprising a plurality of manufacturing operations adapted to be implemented in a predetermined manufacturing order, said method using a data memory configured to store: - A machine reference, said machine reference including values ​​corresponding to the characteristics of manufacturing machines available for the manufacture of custom packaging; - A material reference system, said material reference system including values ​​corresponding to the characteristics of the materials available for the manufacture of custom packaging; - A product reference system, said product reference system including values ​​defining manufacturing operations that can be implemented during the manufacture of the custom packaging, machines that can be used to construct the custom packaging, and constraints characteristic of the custom packaging; said method, implemented by one or more processors, comprising the steps of: - Receiving characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging, said characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging including in particular shape and material values ​​of the custom-made packaging to be designed; - Generation of a plurality of industrial sequences for the manufacture of the custom-made packaging with available manufacturing machines, based in particular on the characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging, the machine reference system, the material reference system and the product reference system, each of said generated industrial sequences comprising configuration values ​​of the manufacturing machines used in the industrial sequence, the generation of the industrial sequences comprising checks on the compatibility of the successive manufacturing operations, said checks on the compatibility of the manufacturing operations being carried out in an order inverse to the predetermined manufacturing order and an incompatibility between successive manufacturing operations leading to a deletion of the industrial sequence currently being generated in question; - Calculation of at least one production characteristic value for each of the industrial sequences generated, in particular from the machine configuration values; and - Selection of at least one industrial sequence for manufacturing custom packaging based on the calculated production characteristic values.

[0012] The applicant has developed a solution capable of automatically generating one or more industrial sequences for the design of custom packaging from reference systems and values ​​of characteristics of the custom packaging.

[0013] The field of custom packaging brings together a plurality of manufacturers and almost as many industrial practices. This diversity of industrial practices finds its foundations in the diversity of industrial machines, raw materials and individual practices. Thus, an automated generation of industrial sequences must make it possible to reconcile a single working framework with multiple industrial practices. As will be detailed later, the developed solution is configured so as not to have to pre-parameterize all the industrial sequences. These industrial sequences are generated in real time according to the characteristic values ​​of the custom packaging received and the reference systems used.In addition, these industrial sequences can be associated with configuration values ​​of available manufacturing machines which can be integrated by manufacturers into their production process and thus make it possible to reconcile heterogeneous industrial practices.

[0014] The solution has the advantage of being able to be executed in a very short time (eg less than a minute, preferably in less than 30 seconds) and to allow the selection of an industrial sequence adapted to the production characteristics expected by the user (production time, environmental footprint, cost, quantity, delivery, number of decorations, colors, protective or ennobling finishes, techniques, raw materials used, cutting shape, product assembly diagrams, dimensions, etc.

[0015] Advantageously, the product reference is configurable to the specific requirements of a customer.

[0016] According to other optional characteristics of the method, the latter may optionally include one or more of the following characteristics, alone or in combination: - the compatibility checks comprise, when adding a prior manufacturing operation in the manufacturing order to the industrial sequence being generated, a verification of the compatibility of this prior manufacturing operation with one or more of the subsequent manufacturing operations in the manufacturing order, said subsequent manufacturing operations already being included in an industrial sequence being generated. - the generation of industrial sequences involves the elimination of an industrial sequence during generation when at least one of its manufacturing operations is not compatible with any of the previous manufacturing operations necessary for the manufacture of the custom packaging. - the generation of industrial sequences involves the elimination of an industrial sequence during generation when at least one of the configuration values ​​of the manufacturing machines used in the sequence is not compatible with one of the configuration values ​​of the previous manufacturing machines necessary for the manufacture of the custom packaging. - the generation of industrial sequences involves successive settings of the manufacturing operations so as to generate, for each of the industrial sequences, the configuration values ​​of the machines, said successive settings being done in an order inverse to the predetermined manufacturing order. This contributes to the solution's ability to operate in real time while being able to adapt to a very wide variety of tailor-made packaging parameters. - the generation of industrial sequences includes storage of context values ​​on a context data memory arranged to be dynamically modified during the generation process, said context values ​​defining in particular at least in part the custom packaging being formed and being modified according to the successive settings of the manufacturing operations. This contributes to the capacity of the solution to operate in real time while being able to adapt to a very wide variety of tailor-made packaging parameters. when the generation of industrial sequences involves a modification of context values ​​following the addition of a manufacturing operation in the industrial sequence, the method involves a verification of the compatibility of a subsequent manufacturing operation with modified context values, said subsequent manufacturing operation having been selected for old context values. This contributes to the solution's ability to operate in real time while being able to adapt to a very wide variety of custom packaging parameters and a very wide variety of manufacturing parameters (e.g. machines, settings, raw materials, etc.). when the generation of industrial sequences involves a modification of context values, for example margins; between two manufacturing operations, the process involves a verification of the compatibility with the new context values, for example margin; of a manufacturing operation having been selected for old margin values. This contributes to the solution's ability to operate in real time while being able to adapt to a very wide variety of custom packaging parameters and a very wide variety of manufacturing parameters (e.g. machines, settings, raw materials, etc.). the generation of industrial sequences includes: • A determination of configuration values ​​of the manufacturing machines for a first manufacturing operation of a partial industrial sequence, • a modification of the configuration values ​​of the manufacturing machines for another manufacturing operation of the same industrial sequence, • a verification of the compatibility of the first manufacturing operation with the modified configuration values, and • a rejection of the partial industrial sequence if the first manufacturing operation is not compatible with the modified configuration values. the generation of industrial sequences includes a use of a context value generated during the parameterization of a subsequent manufacturing operation for the parameterization of a previous manufacturing operation, the generation of industrial sequences includes a generation of a plurality of nesting options based on the values ​​of the material reference and the values ​​of characteristics of the custom packaging, in particular the nesting is calculated only on certain operations. In particular, these operations may correspond to operations which transform a sheet which may include several packaging poses. The result of these operations may be a sheet of a different format, an embellished, ennobled, printed sheet, a pre-cut sheet or a cut product. The manufacturing operations that can be implemented during manufacturing are organized into manufacturing stages. The custom packaging includes a material selected from: paper, solid cardboard and corrugated cardboard. it includes a definition of dimension values ​​for the material used and that it includes a comparison of these values ​​with the available material values ​​in order to select the most suitable available material. it includes a step of re-cutting the raw material and an update of at least one production characteristic value for each of the industrial sequences generated using this re-cut material. the selection of at least one industrial sequence is carried out in less than 5 minutes after receiving the characteristic values ​​of the custom packaging. It further comprises a step of manufacturing the custom-made packaging, by at least one of the available machines, said available machine being configured at least in part according to the configuration values ​​of the machines of a selected industrial sequence. the industrial sequence comprises a first step, a penultimate step and a last step and in that the step of generating the plurality of industrial sequences comprises the following sub-steps: • Select one or more operating processes capable of carrying out the last step, said selection being made from the characteristic values ​​of the custom packaging and the machine reference; • Generate one or more operating processes capable of carrying out the penultimate step, said generation being carried out from the values ​​of characteristics of the custom-made packaging, the values ​​of machine variables and preferably from the plurality of operating processes capable of carrying out the last step; the combination of the operating process(es) capable of carrying out the penultimate step and the operating process(es) capable of carrying out the last step forming a plurality of partial industrial sequences; • Generate a plurality of operating processes capable of carrying out the first step, said generation being carried out from the product characteristic values, the machine variable values, the material variable values ​​and the plurality of partial industrial manufacturing sequences; this plurality of operating processes capable of carrying out the first step completing the plurality of partial industrial design sequences to form a plurality of industrial sequences for manufacturing the custom-made packaging. - it also includes a step of generating one or more standardized operating procedures from the selected operating processes. - it also includes a step of acquiring values ​​of the characteristic variables of the custom packaging. - the characteristic values ​​of the custom packaging include developed values.

[0017] According to a second object, the invention relates to a computer device for automatically generating at least one industrial sequence for the manufacture of custom-made packaging, each industrial sequence comprising a plurality of manufacturing operations adapted to be implemented in a predetermined manufacturing order, said computer device comprising:

[0018] a data memory configured to store: - A machine reference, said machine reference including values ​​corresponding to the characteristics of manufacturing machines available for the manufacture of custom packaging; - A material reference system, said material reference system including values ​​corresponding to the characteristics of the materials available for the manufacture of custom packaging; - A product reference system, said product reference system including values ​​defining manufacturing operations that can be implemented during the manufacture of the custom packaging, machines that can be used to construct the custom packaging, and constraints characteristic of the custom packaging; one or more processors, configured to perform the steps of: - Receipt of characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging, said characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging including in particular shape and material values ​​of the custom-made packaging to be designed; - Generation of a plurality of industrial sequences for the manufacture of custom-made packaging with available manufacturing machines, based in particular on the characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging, the re machine reference, the material reference and the product reference, each of said generated industrial sequences comprising configuration values ​​of the manufacturing machines used in the industrial sequence, the generation of industrial sequences comprising checks on the compatibility of successive manufacturing operations, said checks on the compatibility of manufacturing operations being carried out in an order inverse to the predetermined manufacturing order and an incompatibility between successive manufacturing operations leading to a deletion of the industrial sequence currently being generated in question; - Calculation of at least one production characteristic value for each of the industrial sequences generated, in particular from the machine configuration values; and - Selection of at least one industrial sequence for manufacturing custom packaging based on the calculated production characteristic values.

[0019] According to another object, the invention relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method according to the invention when said program is executed on a computer. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings, given for illustrative purposes and in no way limiting.

[0021] [Fig-1] represents a diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the invention. Optional steps are outlined in dotted lines.

[0022] [Fig.2] is an illustration of a generation of a plurality of industrial sequences presenting a succession of steps according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] [Fig.3] represents a diagram of a part of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] [Fig.4] represents a diagram of a part of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] [Fig.5] represents a computing device according to an embodiment of the invention and its possible interactions with other computing devices.

[0026] The figures do not necessarily respect the scales, in particular in thickness, and this is for illustration purposes.

[0027] Aspects of the present invention are described with reference to flowcharts and / or functional diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention.

[0028] In the figures, flowcharts and block diagrams illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a system, device, module, or code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some implementations, the functions associated with the blocks may appear in a different order than shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved.Each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart, may be implemented by special hardware systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special hardware and computer instructions. Description of the embodiments

[0029] Below, we describe a summary of the invention and the associated vocabulary, before presenting the disadvantages of the prior art, and finally showing in more detail how the invention overcomes them.

[0030] In the remainder of the description, the expression “automatic generation” or “automated generation” may correspond, within the meaning of the invention, to the creation by a computer device, such as a computer, of an element, such as a file or a set of files, and this in an automated manner. Thus, an automated generation may be carried out without human intervention. However, an automatic generation may include human intervention, for example for the operation of the computer device carrying out the generation.

[0031] For the purposes of the invention, the term "process", "calculate", "determine", "display", "transform", "extract", "compare", "select" or more broadly "executable operation" means an action performed by a device or processor unless the context indicates otherwise. In this regard, operations refer to actions and / or processes of a data processing system, for example a computer system or an electronic computer device, which manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the memories of the computer system or other devices for storing, transmitting or displaying information. These operations may be based on applications or software.

[0032] The terms or expressions “application”, “software”, “program code”, and "Executable code" means any expression, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause data processing to perform a particular function directly or indirectly (e.g. after a conversion operation to other code). Examples of program code may include, but are not limited to, a subroutine, a function, an executable application, source code, object code, a library and / or any other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system.

[0033] For the purposes of the invention, the term "processor" means at least one hardware circuit configured to execute operations according to instructions contained in a code. The hardware circuit may be an integrated circuit. Examples of a processor include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit, a graphics processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a programmable logic circuit.

[0034] The term "computer device" means any device comprising a processing unit or a processor, for example in the form of a microcontroller cooperating with a data memory, possibly a program memory, said memories being able to be dissociated. The processing unit cooperates with said memories by means of an internal communication bus.

[0035] For the purposes of the invention, the term "coupled" means connected, directly or indirectly, with one or more intermediate elements. Two elements can be coupled mechanically, electrically, or linked by a communication channel.

[0036] The present invention is particularly suitable for tailor-made packaging. Indeed, there may be solutions for the generation of standardized packaging design scenarios. However, when a user wishes to obtain packaging with specific dimensions or with a specific combination of materials, a combination of prints or other finishing techniques, he will have to call upon a specialized person who will study his project and define, based on his experience, the best way to produce such tailor-made packaging. In addition, a second specialized person will then have to translate the customer's need formalized by the first specialized person into an industrial sequence capable of producing the expected tailor-made packaging.

[0037] However, when we look at custom packaging, we see that there are a number of different design methods that can achieve the desired result. However, since production is not standardized, it is difficult to determine which industrial sequence will be the most suitable or which sequence will best meet the user's design criteria.

[0038] The applicant has developed a generation solution enabling the automated proposal of one or more industrial sequences for the design of custom packaging. One of the difficulties resolved by the applicant is to have proposed a solution that can operate in real time and can therefore interface with other computer-aided production management systems. Indeed, a user wants to quickly have an industrial sequence adapted to his custom packaging and to any other criteria. However, the time required to calculate the plurality of sequences and then to choose from among these sequences one or more of the most suitable sequences may require, on the one hand, high computing resources and, on the other hand, a long calculation time, not compatible with real time. In addition, the characteristics of the custom packaging may be indicated at least in part in a product-oriented language and they will have to be transposed into industrial characteristics to identify the machines and the routes allowing the expected custom packaging to be produced.

[0039] Furthermore, within the framework of the present invention, the applicant proposes one or more industrial sequences which will have been selected according to production characteristics. This will allow, for example, the user to obtain industrial sequences making it possible to limit the environmental footprint associated with the production of the custom-made packaging while limiting delivery times.

[0040] The applicant proposes a solution which can take numerous forms (e.g. process, device, etc.) for automatic and rapid generation of one or more industrial sequences for the design of tailor-made packaging.

[0041] Thus, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method 1000 for automatically generating at least one industrial sequence for the design of custom packaging.

[0042] The present invention is particularly suitable for custom-made packaging. Custom-made packaging is packaging for which at least part of the values ​​of its characteristics, such as the shape, dimensions, material and decoration and finishing parameters have been left to the free choice of a user. As mentioned, it is in particular from this freedom that some of the difficulties resolved by the present invention arise.

[0043] The design of the custom packaging considered may involve a trans formation of a wide variety of materials. However, the solution according to the present invention is particularly suitable for the design of tailor-made packaging requiring one or more cutting operations of a raw material in the form of rolls, plates or sheets such as metal, plastic, paper, compact (or flat) cardboard, rigid cardboard and / or corrugated cardboard. The solution according to the present invention may preferably be adapted to the design of tailor-made packaging requiring one or more folding operations of a raw material. The solution according to the present invention may preferably be adapted to the design of tailor-made packaging requiring one or more several cutting operations of a raw material. In particular, the design of the custom packaging considered involves the transformation of paper, flat cardboard and / or corrugated cardboard. The design of the custom packaging may, for example, involve the handling of several different materials.

[0044] The present invention makes it possible to automatically generate one or more industrial sequences. An industrial sequence may correspond to a protocol for designing a custom-made package using one or more manufacturing machines. It may take the form of a series of instructions, each of which may or may not be associated with manufacturing machines. In particular, an industrial sequence, equivalent to a design scenario, will include values ​​for configuring a set of available manufacturing machines so as to manufacture the custom-made package. These values ​​may correspond to configuration values ​​of the available manufacturing machines.

[0045] Furthermore, each industrial sequence for the design of custom packaging may comprise a plurality of successive steps adapted to be implemented in a predetermined order.

[0046] For example, each of the instructions in the series of instructions may be associated with a step. These successive steps may range, for example, from the choice of the material or the preparation of the material that will be used in the context of the invention to the choice of packaging before transport to the customer. The industrial sequence that is considered in the present invention and generated automatically may only take into account part of the steps necessary for the manufacture of the custom-made packaging. Alternatively, the industrial sequence that is considered in the present invention takes into account steps from a first step of printing or cutting a raw material to a step of folding and / or gluing the transformed raw material.

[0047] Although certain steps may be implemented before or after other steps, they may follow a predetermined order that may be stored in a data memory. The predetermined order may correspond to a sequence of steps or instructions usually observed during the design of custom packaging. For example, the successive steps may include: choice of material, formatting of the material from a stock format, printing of the material, finishing and embellishing of the material, recutting of the decorated material to optimize the cutting operation, cutting of the material, folding and / or gluing of the cut material, packaging in a box, and / or direct packaging on a pallet, delivery.

[0048] The present invention is advantageously intended to be implemented by computer. It makes it possible in particular to resolve a problem of latency during the management generation of industrial sequences dedicated to the design of tailor-made packaging and the fact that the choice of sequence often leads to the selection of a sub-optimal sequence.

[0049] As will be detailed later, when the invention takes the form of a method for automated generation, the method is generally implemented by one or more processors. Preferably, the invention is implemented by a computer device comprising at least one data memory and one or more processors.

[0050] As illustrated in [Fig.l], a generation method 1000 according to the invention will comprise the following steps: reception 200 of characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging; generation 300 of a plurality of industrial sequences for the manufacture of the custom-made packaging compatible with the available manufacturing machines; calculation 400 of at least one production characteristic value; and selection 500 of at least one industrial sequence for the manufacture of the custom-made packaging.

[0051] A generation method 1000 according to the invention may also comprise the following steps: calculation 100 of values ​​of characteristics of the custom-made packaging; generation 600 of one or more standardized manufacturing orders; adaptation 700 of an industrial sequence for the manufacture of custom-made packaging; manufacture 800 of the custom-made packaging.

[0052] A generation method 1000 according to the invention may comprise a step 100 of calculating values ​​of characteristics of the custom-made packaging. This step may be implemented by one or more processors 20. The calculation of values ​​of characteristics of the custom-made packaging may be understood as the generation of dimensions of the custom-made packaging such as dimensions of flat or developed areas.

[0053] A generation method 1000 according to the invention comprises in particular a step 200 of receiving values ​​of characteristics of the custom-made packaging.

[0054] This step can be implemented by one or more processors 20. Indeed, the reception of values ​​can be understood as the reception of the values ​​by one or more processors 20 which will then be brought to process them. The reception can for example be enabled by communication means 30 which will be described further in the remainder of the description.

[0055] The characteristic values ​​of the custom packaging may, for example, correspond to values ​​making it possible to define the shape and material of the custom packaging to be designed. In addition, these values ​​may include values ​​relating to surface treatments to be applied to the material during the manufacture of the custom packaging (varnish, tints, etc.).

[0056] In the context of a method for generating an industrial sequence for the fa When creating custom packaging, this step can provide all the information defining the packaging as expected by a user. This information can include raw information on the dimensions of the custom packaging. It can also include information generated from the raw information on the dimensions of the custom packaging, such as solid or developed dimensions, allowing the custom packaging to be designed.

[0057] Preferably, the characteristic values ​​of the custom packaging comprise flat development values ​​of the custom packaging. These development values ​​may have been calculated beforehand as part of a step of the method according to the invention or they may correspond to values ​​sent by a user client.

[0058] As illustrated in [Fig.l], a generation method 1000 according to the invention comprises in particular a step 300 of generating a plurality of industrial sequences for the manufacture of the custom-made packaging. This step can be implemented by one or more processors 20.

[0059] This step 300 of generating a plurality of sequences can generally make it possible to generate at least two, preferably at least five, even more preferably at least ten industrial sequences for the design of the custom packaging. These industrial sequences are generated progressively, preferably by considering the manufacturing steps in an order inverse to a predetermined manufacturing order. Thus, the generation step initially comprises the generation of partial industrial sequences which are industrial sequences in the process of being generated and which are completed as they go along or eliminated.

[0060] Preferably, the generated design industrial sequences are compatible with available manufacturing machines, these machines also being able to be operated by subcontractors. That is to say, the industrial sequences can be implemented entirely using the available manufacturing machines.

[0061] Preferably, each of the industrial sequences comprises configuration values ​​of the available manufacturing machines. The configuration values ​​of the manufacturing machines may, for example, correspond to cutting dimension data, bending data, speed data, material position data.

[0062] Preferably, each of the industrial sequences may also include material values ​​to be used. The material values ​​to be used may, for example, correspond to data on the type of material, the quantity of material, the dimensions of the material, and its availability in stock.

[0063] For example, in the context of a manufacturing process which would be based on an industrial sequence generated within the framework of the present invention, it will be possible, from values ​​associated with a sequence, to select the appropriate material (or the combination of materials) and to program one or more manufacturing machines so as to be able to produce the expected tailor-made packaging, preferably in an at least partially automated manner.

[0064] There are numerous methods for generating industrial manufacturing sequences and in particular industrial manufacturing sequences comprising configuration values ​​of the available manufacturing machines. In particular, in the context of the present invention, this generation step is implemented from the characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging, the machine reference system 11 and / or the material reference system 12. Furthermore, advantageously, this generation step is implemented from the values ​​of the product reference system 13. Advantageously, it is implemented using the characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging, the machine reference system 11, the material reference system 12 and the product reference system 13. Indeed, the applicant has developed a method for generating, in an automated manner, a plurality of industrial design sequences.This generation is based on the characteristic values ​​of the custom packaging in order to lead to the product expected by the user. In addition, it takes into account in particular the characteristics of the machines accessible via the machine reference 11, the characteristics of the material(s) accessible via the material reference 12 as well as advantageously the constraints associated with products via the product reference 13.

[0065] An industrial sequence may include many different stages depending on the custom packaging to be designed, such as delivery, logistics, rack assembly, folding-gluing, cutting-peeling, re-cutting, printing, plate formatting and cardboard supply stages.

[0066] For example, in the context of the present invention, the generation of the plurality of industrial sequences may include a generation of a new branch for each possibility of imposition for the custom packaging considered. In addition, there may be generation of a new branch for each available manufacturing machine allowing such imposition.

[0067] Generally, a new branch can be created for each machine available for each necessary operation.

[0068] In the context of generating industrial sequences, a branch will correspond to an alternative sequence or scenario. A multiplication of branches leads to a multiplication of sequences.

[0069] The combination of these few parameter, characteristic and / or configuration values ​​can result in the generation of hundreds or even thousands of sequences. possible industrial processes, some of which will be progressively rejected in connection with an update at each stage and others which will ultimately be possible. For example, some will include steps which are not compatible with subsequent steps, or some will not be usable for reasons of machine capabilities. Thus, this can lead to a cumbersome process and excessively long calculation times.

[0070] The applicant tested several methods to reduce the calculation time, in particular when generating the plurality of industrial manufacturing sequences. In doing so, it developed a method for reducing the calculation times and making it possible to access response times that are sufficiently low to be considered real time (e.g., response in less than 1 minute, preferably in less than 30 seconds). Furthermore, this was done despite the significant quantity of variables considered and conceivable industrial sequences.

[0071] Thus, advantageously, the compatibility of the industrial manufacturing sequences is verified by considering the implementation of an industrial packaging manufacturing sequence in an inverse manufacturing order OIF to the predetermined order OF. In particular, the compatibility of the industrial design sequences can be verified by simulating the implementation of the packaging design scenario in an inverse order to the predetermined order.

[0072] Thus, an industrial manufacturing sequence will comprise at least three successive steps, preferably at least four successive steps, more preferably at least five successive steps, and even more preferably at least six successive steps, for example at least ten successive steps.

[0073] For example, as illustrated in [Fig.2], an industrial design sequence may comprise a first step 810, a penultimate step 870, a penultimate step 880 and a final step 890. Not all possible industrial sequences have been detailed for the sake of clarity. Among these successive steps, different possibilities are offered. For example, the first step 810 may be a step of selecting several materials which may differ, for example, in their dimensions 810a, 810b, 810c. The penultimate step 870 may be a printing step which may have several different embodiments, or operating processes 870a, 870b, 870c. Similarly, the penultimate step 880 may be a cutting step which may have several different embodiments, or operating processes 880a, 880b, 880c.Finally, the last step 890 may be a folding and gluing step which may have several different embodiments, or operating processes, 890a, 890b.

[0074] For example, with reference to [Fig.2], the last step 890 will be considered first. Depending on the machine reference values ​​11, the alternatives 890a and 890b are possible then depending on the characteristic values ​​of the custom packaging a process may exclude the alternative 890b. This exclusion may for example be generated by one or more processors of the process according to the invention, because although this alternative 890b can be implemented with the available machines, it does not correspond to the expected custom packaging. Thus, at this stage the process according to the invention has generated a single partial industrial sequence for the manufacture of the custom packaging: 890a.

[0075] Still with reference to [Fig.2], the penultimate step 880, relating for example to a cutting step, may be implemented in three different ways 880a, 880b, 880c. However, according to the machine reference 11, the third embodiment 880c for the cutting step is not compatible with the folding and gluing 890a selected in the partial industrial sequence. Thus, within the framework of the present invention, this embodiment will be excluded. At this stage, the method according to the invention has generated two partial industrial sequences for the manufacture of the custom-made packaging: 880a»890a; 880b»890a.

[0076] The combination of the manufacturing operation(s) capable of carrying out the penultimate step 880 and the manufacturing operation(s) capable of carrying out the last step 890 may form a plurality of partial industrial design sequences. They are called partial because they do not yet include all the steps of a complete industrial sequence or in particular all the steps necessary for the design of a custom-made package.

[0077] The penultimate step 870, relating for example to printing, may be implemented for example in three different ways 870a, 870b, 870c. These embodiments may for example vary depending on the development of the packaging considered or depending on the machines used. As illustrated in [Fig.2], according to the machine reference 11, the third embodiment 870c for cutting is not compatible with the first 880a and second 880b cutting embodiments or is not compatible with the last step 890a. The second embodiment 870b for printing is compatible with the first 880a and second 880b cutting embodiments, as well as with the last folding-gluing step 890a. The first embodiment 870a for printing is compatible with only the second 880b embodiment of cutting, while being compatible with the last step 890a.At this stage, the method according to the invention has generated three partial industrial sequences for designing the custom-made packaging: 870a»880b»890a. 870b»880a»890a; 870b»880b»890a. .

[0078] Thus, despite the high number of possible variables, the number of industrial sequences generated remains low.

[0079] [Fig.3] illustrates the generation of a plurality of industrial sequences of design of custom packaging. This generation is particularly applicable when the industrial design sequence comprises several successive stages, including a first stage 810, a penultimate stage 880 and a final stage 890 as illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0080] As illustrated in [Fig.3] in connection with [Fig.2], the generation step 300 of the plurality of industrial design sequences may successively comprise the following sub-steps: generating 310 one or more operating processes capable of carrying out the last step 890 and generating 320 one or more operating processes capable of carrying out the penultimate step 880.

[0081] In particular, the generation 320 of the one or more operating processes capable of carrying out the penultimate step 880 is carried out in particular from the one or more operating processes capable of carrying out the last step 890. Thus, in the context of the generation of an industrial design sequence, a method according to the invention can, in order to define the possible alternatives of a step, rely on the characteristics of a subsequent step. This is a way of generating the industrial design sequences in an order inverse to the predetermined order.

[0082] The combination of the operating process(es) capable of carrying out the penultimate step 880 and the operating process(es) capable of carrying out the last step 890 may form a plurality of partial industrial design sequences. They are said to be partial because they do not yet include all the steps necessary for the design of a custom-made package.

[0083] This process can be repeated as many times as there are intermediate steps between the penultimate step 880 and the first step 810.

[0084] A method according to the invention will also comprise the generation 390 of a plurality of operating processes capable of carrying out the first step 810. This generation 390 of a plurality of operating processes capable of carrying out the first step 810 is preferably carried out in particular from the plurality of partial industrial design sequences in combination with characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging and the material reference 12.

[0085] The present invention concerns the design of custom packaging and the use of a material reference system 12 makes it possible to adapt the generation well according to the expected raw material (i.e. values ​​of characteristics of the custom packaging) on ​​the one hand and the available raw material (i.e. material reference system 12) on the other hand. In addition, the generation 390 of a plurality of operating processes capable of carrying out the first step 810 may advantageously take into account the machine reference system 11.

[0086] This plurality of operating processes capable of carrying out the first step 810 may supplement the plurality of partial industrial design sequences to form a plurality of industrial design sequences for custom packaging.

[0087] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the compatibility checks may include a check 321 of the compatibility of a prior manufacturing operation in the manufacturing order OF, which may be implemented during the manufacturing of the custom packaging with one or more of the subsequent manufacturing operations in the manufacturing order OF. If the compatibility is confirmed, then the prior manufacturing operation may be added to the industrial sequence being generated. As explained, this industrial sequence being generated already includes one or more of the subsequent manufacturing operations in the manufacturing order OF.

[0088] In certain cases, the generation of industrial sequences may include an elimination 331 of an industrial sequence during generation.

[0089] In particular, an industrial sequence being generated, also called a partial industrial sequence, may be eliminated when the machines that can be implemented at a previous stage are not compatible with at least one of the machines used in the subsequent manufacturing operations of the industrial sequence. Also, an industrial sequence being generated, also called a partial industrial sequence, may be eliminated when the manufacturing alternatives for a previous stage (in the manufacturing order), are not compatible with at least one of the subsequent manufacturing operations of the industrial sequence considered.For example, in a cutting step, if all possible alternatives of the cutting step are not compatible with the hulling operations selected in an industrial sequence being generated, then this partial industrial sequence will be eliminated, because it is not possible to find a previous manufacturing step (cutting) compatible with the subsequent manufacturing steps (hulling) already integrated into this particular industrial sequence.

[0090] Preferably, when all the partial sequences are eliminated, then the method may comprise a step of generating an error transmitted to a user client. Indeed, it appears that in this case it is impossible to generate an industrial sequence, or complete industrial sequence. More preferably, the method according to the invention may then comprise a step of identifying one or more operational steps or one or more machines leading to an elimination of the industrial sequences and possibly a transmission of this data to the user client.

[0091] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the method according to the invention may comprise storing 351 context values ​​on a context data memory. As will be shown, this memory is preferably arranged to be dynamically modified during the generation process.

[0092] Indeed, the generation of industrial sequences may advantageously rely on the use of context values ​​defining in particular at least in part the custom packaging being formed. These context values ​​have the particularity of being able to be modified according to the successive settings 341 of the manufacturing operations.

[0093] The context values ​​could for example concern: the working format (format of the raw material being defined, according to the imposition data, the technical margins of the machines, the bleed to be added, the machine tolerances), specific machine constraints, but also the information requested by the user (printing, finishing, others).

[0094] When generating industrial sequences, there may be a modification of context values. For example, in the context of the definition of a previous manufacturing operation, there may be a modification of the work format or margins. In this case, the method will be advantageously configured to check the compatibility of the manufacturing operations already defined in the industrial sequence with the new context values. If the manufacturing operations already defined are not compatible with this new context value and they cannot be modified, then the industrial sequence is eliminated. For example, when cutting on a handset, a TRUE value is inserted into the context for a groove direction grooving parameter; that is to say that the plate at the cutting input must already have the grooves in the groove direction.Thus, the industrial sequence must include an upstream creasing operation, or this parameter must be achieved with the supply of a raw material already having the creasing operations. If neither of the two possibilities applies, the industrial sequence will be rejected.

[0095] Thus, in a particular embodiment, the generation of the industrial sequences comprises a determination of context values ​​when selecting a first manufacturing operation of a partial industrial sequence, a modification of the context values ​​when adding another manufacturing operation of this same industrial sequence, a verification of the compatibility of the first manufacturing operation with the modified context values, and a rejection of the partial industrial sequence when the first manufacturing operation is not compatible with the modified context values.

[0096] Advantageously, as illustrated in [Fig.4], the generation method may include a step 361 of modifying the context values, in particular when integrating a new manufacturing operation into the industrial sequence in training courses.

[0097] Thus, if the manufacturing operations already defined are not compatible with this new context value, but they can be modified, then the incompatible manufacturing operations are modified. This can lead to a modification of the configuration values ​​of the machines. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the generation of the industrial sequences comprises a determination of context values ​​when selecting a first manufacturing operation of a partial industrial sequence, a modification of the context values ​​when adding another manufacturing operation of this same industrial sequence, a verification of the compatibility of the first manufacturing operation with the modified context values, and a modification of the parameters of the first manufacturing operation (e.g. machine configuration values) to make it compatible with the modified context values.

[0098] In a particular embodiment, the generation of the industrial sequences comprises a determination of configuration values ​​of the manufacturing machines for a first manufacturing operation of a partial industrial sequence, a modification of the configuration values ​​of the manufacturing machines for another manufacturing operation of this same industrial sequence, a verification of the compatibility of the first manufacturing operation with the modified configuration values, and a rejection of the partial industrial sequence if the first manufacturing operation is not compatible with the modified configuration values.

[0099] In addition, the method may include a step of modification (e.g. recutting) of the raw material. This may result in an update of the machine configuration values ​​and / or an update of at least one production characteristic value for each of the industrial sequences generated using this modified (e.g. recut) raw material.

[0100] In one embodiment, the generation of the industrial sequences may comprise a generation of a plurality of nesting options based on the values ​​of the material reference and the values ​​of characteristics of the custom-made packaging, in particular the nesting is calculated only on certain operations. In particular, these operations may correspond to the operations which transform a sheet which may comprise several packaging poses. The result of these operations may be a sheet of a different format, an embellished / ennobled / printed sheet, a pre-cut sheet or a cut product.

[0101] Advantageously, the manufacturing operations that can be implemented during manufacturing are organized into manufacturing steps. Thus, an industrial sequence and more broadly the manufacturing of custom packaging can be subdivided into manufacturing steps, each comprising alternative manufacturing operations. Preferably, each of the manufacturing steps is organized so as to correspond to a function necessary for the creation of a package (printing, varnishing, laminating, hot stamping, cutting, peeling, folding-gluing, etc.). This organization makes it easier to contrast and compare the technologies available for the creation of custom-made packaging and therefore select the most suitable ones.

[0102] A generation method 1000 according to the invention comprises in particular a step calculation step 400 of at least one production characteristic value. This calculation step can be implemented by one or more processors 20.

[0103] As has been presented, a method according to the invention will allow the generation of a plurality of industrial sequences, the number of which remains reasonable considering the generation method. In addition, a method according to the invention will include the calculation of a production characteristic value which will make it possible to select from the generated sequences the one(s) most suited to the user's needs. Thus, this step makes it possible to prioritize the industrial sequences which have been generated, in particular according to the capacities of the production machines and according to the user's production priorities.

[0104] Preferably, at least one production characteristic value is calculated for each of the industrial sequences of the plurality of industrial sequences generated. At least one production characteristic value is calculated, for example, as the industrial sequence is constructed or for a complete industrial sequence. Advantageously, a production characteristic value is calculated as the industrial sequence is constructed. This makes it possible, for example, to compare the value obtained for a partial sequence and possibly directly reject a sequence if the production characteristic value exceeds a predetermined threshold. Alternatively or in addition, the at least one production characteristic value can be calculated for the partial industrial sequences.For example, for each of the industrial sequences, partial (in the process of being generated) or complete, this step may include the calculation of at least two, preferably three, more preferably at least four values ​​of production characteristics.

[0105] A production characteristic may, for example, be selected from: an estimated production cost, an estimated production margin, an estimated production duration, an estimated production lead time, an estimated carbon footprint, or an estimated quantity of material waste. In particular, a method according to the invention may include a calculation of a cost estimate for each of the combinations. Concerning the estimated carbon footprint, there are many calculation methods that could be suitable. The estimate may, for example, be based on the materials used, their origin and the machines used.

[0106] The calculation can be carried out from the machine configuration values. It could, for example, take into account expert rules in combination with machine configuration values. This calculation could also take into account values ​​of the material used. As mentioned, this calculation could be based on expert rules. However, it could also be based in whole or in part on a correlation model. A correlation model could, for example, correspond to a mathematical model, in particular a machine learning model.

[0107] Machine learning can be supervised or unsupervised learning. Thus, advantageously, the invention can implement one or more algorithms. These algorithms may have been constructed from different learning models, in particular partitioning, supervised, semi-supervised or unsupervised.

[0108] A generation method 1000 according to the invention comprises in particular a step 500 of selecting at least one industrial sequence for the manufacture of the custom-made packaging. This step can be implemented by one or more processors 20.

[0109] The selection of one or more industrial sequences can be carried out based on the calculated production characteristic values. For example, based on a predetermined threshold, an algorithm or a learning model. For example, an industrial sequence could be selected because it has the best performance based on the calculated production characteristic value (e.g., the lowest waste rate, the lowest carbon footprint, the lowest production time, the lowest estimated cost). Alternatively, several industrial sequences could be selected. For example, the three most efficient according to a predetermined production characteristic.

[0110] An industrial sequence may also be selected based on its performance with respect to several production characteristics. In addition, an industrial sequence may also be selected based on the value of one or more production characteristics relative to a predetermined threshold. For example, the selection may correspond to the identification of the industrial sequence allowing the lowest environmental footprint for a production duration less than a predetermined threshold. Preferably, the selection 500 of at least one industrial sequence for designing the custom packaging is based on the values ​​of several production characteristics. Thus, unlike the system of the prior art, a method according to the invention will be capable in real time of identifying an industrial sequence allowing the lowest carbon footprint for a duration less than a predetermined threshold.

[0111] As mentioned, it can also be considered that this step includes a hierarchy of industrial sequences. This hierarchy can in particular be implemented based on one or more production characteristic values.

[0112] A generation method 1000 according to the invention may in particular comprise a step 600 of generating one or more standardized manufacturing orders. This step may be implemented by one or more processors 20.

[0113] This step makes it possible to generate a document describing the operating processes selected for the manufacture of the custom packaging. This document may have a standardized format, for example through the use of a template that a user will load. This generation step 600 may include the generation of one or more standardized manufacturing orders directly interpretable by a processor for the configuration of one or more machines involved in the manufacture of the custom packaging.

[0114] Thus, once one or more industrial sequences have been selected, for example the most suitable, these industrial sequences can be contextualized according to the manufacturers who can, or have to, implement them. Such contextualization could, for example, lead to an adaptation of one or more industrial sequences. Thus, a method according to the invention can also include a step 700 of adapting an industrial sequence for the manufacture of custom packaging.

[0115] A method according to the invention may include a step of selecting one or more manufacturing clients capable of implementing one or more industrial sequences. In addition, the selection step may be supplemented by characteristic values ​​specific to the manufacturing client. These characteristic values ​​specific to the manufacturing client may, for example, correspond to satisfaction level values ​​of the manufacturer. A manufacturing client may correspond to a computer device such as a computer or a server from which a manufacturer connects and via which it will, for example, be defined by a unique identifier.

[0116] Thus, a method according to the invention may include the transmission to a manufacturing customer of at least one industrial sequence for the design of custom packaging.

[0117] A method according to the invention may include receiving a validation value from an industrial client. The validation value may, for example, correspond to an acceptance or a refusal of the industrial sequence. In addition, the validation value may include modified values ​​of the industrial sequence. Thus, on the basis of generated custom packaging configurations or design scenarios, an industrialist may validate or modify a production characteristic value such as the carbon footprint.

[0118] A generation method 1000 according to the invention may further comprise a step of correcting one or more production characteristic values. For example, it may include a step of calculating a corrected carbon footprint value for the production of custom packaging based on the modified industrial sequence values ​​sent by a manufacturing customer.

[0119] A method according to the invention may also include a transmission to a user client of one or more production characteristic values. These production characteristic values ​​may be accompanied by only part of the configuration values ​​of the machines and / or industrial sequences.

[0120] A generation method 1000 according to the invention may comprise a step 800 of manufacturing the custom-made packaging. This step may be implemented by one or more machines intended for manufacturing packaging.

[0121] In particular, this manufacturing step 800 of the custom-made packaging is implemented by at least one of the machines available for designing the custom-made packaging.

[0122] The manufacturing machine(s) involved in the design will advantageously be configured at least in part according to configuration values ​​of the machines of the at least one selected industrial sequence.

[0123] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the aspects of the present invention described primarily in the context of a method for automatically generating an industrial sequence for manufacturing custom packaging may be embodied in the form of a device, a system, a method, or a computer program product. Accordingly, the aspects of the present invention may take the form of an all-hardware embodiment, an all-software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or a mode of operation. Furthermore, the aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embedded therein.

[0124] Thus, according to another aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method according to the invention when said program is executed on a computer.

[0125] In the context of this aspect, the person skilled in the art will understand that the term "computer" refers to any computing device or computer system comprising a data memory and at least one processor.

[0126] Computer program code for performing operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including a program-oriented programming language. object language such as Java, C++, or similar, the "C" programming language or similar programming languages, a scripting language such as Perl, or similar languages, and / or functional languages. The program code may run entirely on a user's computer, partly on a user's computer and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to a user's computer by any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).

[0127] These computer program instructions may be stored on a computer-readable medium that may direct a computing device (i.e., a computer, a server, etc.), such that the instructions stored on the computer-readable medium produce a computing device configured to implement the invention.

[0128] The present invention also relates to one or more computer-readable media storing computer-readable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to execute a method according to the invention. Preferably, the computer-readable medium is a tangible non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0129] Within the scope of the present invention, computer-readable media or data memory may include any solutions that can retain data and / or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable media may include, for example, without limitation, storage media such as a random access storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or a floppy disk drive), a sequential access storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), a compact disc, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a RAM, a ROM, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and / or a flash memory, and other electromagnetic and / or optical media; and / or any combination of the foregoing.

[0130] In particular, any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. More specific examples (non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable storage medium include: a hard disk, random access memory (RAM).

[0131] According to yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a computer device 1 for automatically generating an industrial sequence for the manufacture of custom packaging.

[0132] The computer device 1 for generation according to the present invention is preferably configured to implement a method for automatically generating an industrial sequence for the manufacture of a custom-made package according to the present invention. In particular, it can be configured to implement the different embodiments of the method, whether preferred or not and alone or in combination.

[0133] As has been presented, each industrial packaging manufacturing sequence comprises a plurality of successive steps adapted to be implemented in a predetermined order, the manufacturing order OF. One of the particularities of the present invention is that the industrial sequences are generated from the successive steps considered in an order inverse to the predetermined order, the reverse manufacturing order OIF. It makes it possible to reduce the demand for computing resources and to propose a solution capable of generating a real solution.

[0134] As illustrated in [Fig.5], a computer device 1 for automatically generating an industrial sequence according to the invention will comprise at least one data memory 10 and one or more processors 20.

[0135] Furthermore, a computer device 1 according to the invention may comprise a communication means 30 and a human-machine interface 40.

[0136] Furthermore, the computer device 1 according to the invention will be able to interact with one or more manufacturer clients 2, 3 and with one or more user clients 4.

[0137] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the computer device 1 comprises at least one data memory 10. A data memory 10 according to the invention may, for example, correspond to a non-ephemeral storage medium readable by a processor. It may store in particular instructions executable by a processor and in particular a computer program.

[0138] The data memory 10 is configured to store a machine repository 11. The machine repository 11 may include values ​​corresponding to the characteristics of manufacturing machines available for the design of the custom packaging. For example, the machine repository 11 may include a list of all accessible (i.e. available) manufacturing machines. The available machines may also refer to subcontracting operations. The notion of available or unavailable manufacturing machine makes it possible, for example, to take into consideration the availability of the machines at a given time. The availability of the machines may be affected by work already scheduled on these machines over the period in question or by maintenance phases or lack of resources for putting these manufacturing machines into operation.Thus, a machine repository 11 may advantageously include data on the already planned uses of these manufacturing machines so as to highlight the machines which are available over a given time range for the manufacture of the custom packaging. Preferably, the machine repository 11 includes values ​​relating to the functions of a manufacturing machine. Indeed, certain manufacturing machines will be able to carry out several functions (cutting, . folding, tinting...among these manufacturing machines, some may intervene independently on several operations while others may offer a succession of combined or even integrated operations. In addition, for each of these machines, the machine reference 11 may include ranges of usage values. These ranges of usage values ​​may, for example, correspond to ranges of values ​​relating to the material that can be used by these machines (i.e. each machine may have specific capacities depending on the materials it supports), to ranges of values ​​relating to the transformations that these machines can implement or to ranges of values ​​relating to the characteristics of the products generated by these machines.

[0139] Preferably, the machine reference 11 includes values ​​relating to the compatibilities or incompatibilities of a manufacturing machine with one or more others. Thus, it may be possible to reject fairly quickly a sequence comprising successive steps involving incompatible manufacturing machines.

[0140] Preferably, the machine reference 11 includes values ​​relating to material losses (or waste) induced by the use of a manufacturing machine. Indeed, one of the criteria for choosing an industrial sequence, such as at least one calculated production value, may be the level of material consumption.

[0141] Preferably, the machine reference 11 includes values ​​relating to the execution time of a given function by a manufacturing machine. Indeed, one of the criteria for choosing an industrial sequence, such as at least one calculated production value, may be the manufacturing time.

[0142] Preferably, the machine reference 11 includes values ​​relating to the cost of using a given function by a manufacturing machine. Indeed, one of the criteria for choosing a sequence could be the manufacturing cost.

[0143] The data memory 10 is also configured to store a material reference 12. The material reference 12 may include values ​​corresponding to the characteristics of the materials available for the design of a custom-made package. For example, this may be data on which materials (format / composition) are available for the manufacture of the custom-made package. The material reference 12 may also include data on the quantity of material available, on the cost of the materials, on specific constraints of the suppliers or on the delivery times of the materials (i.e. if a replenishment is necessary).

[0144] The data memory 10 is also configured to store a product category reference 13. The product reference 13 may include values ​​making it possible to define the spectrum of possibilities when configuring a sequence. industrial manufacturing of expected custom packaging. The product reference 13 may include values ​​corresponding, for various products, to the respective constraints relating to manufacturing. For example, this may be data making it possible to take into account arbitrary rules or contexts specific to a manufacturer which may influence the compatibility of manufacturing operations and therefore the generation of industrial sequences.

[0145] The data memory 10 is also configured to store context data 14. The context data 14 may include values ​​making it possible to define the spectrum of possibilities when configuring an industrial sequence for manufacturing an expected custom-made packaging. The context data memory 14 may be arranged to be dynamically modified during the generation process.

[0146] Indeed, preferably, the context data 14 defines in particular at least in part the custom packaging being formed and this data can be modified according to the successive settings of the manufacturing operations. For example, the memory of the context data 14 may include values ​​of: tolerance, margin, additional margin, dimension of the raw material, and / or layout.

[0147] A computer device 1 of generation according to the invention also comprises one or more processors 20. This or these processors are advantageously configured to execute instructions making it possible to implement all or part of the embodiments of a method according to the invention.

[0148] In particular, this or these processors 20 are configured to receive characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging. These characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging can, for example, define the shape and material of the custom-made packaging to be designed.

[0149] This or these processors 20 can also be configured to generate a plurality of industrial sequences for the manufacture of the custom-made packaging compatible with the available manufacturing machines. This generation can be carried out according to the different embodiments presented above. In particular, it can be carried out from the characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging, the machine variable values, the material variable values ​​and the product variable values. Advantageously, the compatibility of the industrial sequences can be verified by considering the implementation of the industrial packaging design sequence in an order inverse to the predetermined order. In addition, each of said industrial sequences can comprise configuration values ​​of the available manufacturing machines.

[0150] This or these processors 20 can also be configured to calculate at least one production characteristic value for each of the industrial sequences. As presented, these calculations can in particular be carried out from the machine configuration values, possibly also from the values ​​of the material used.

[0151] This or these processors 20 can also be configured to select at least one industrial sequence for the design of the custom packaging based on the calculated production characteristic values. This selection can for example be made on the basis of a predetermined threshold, an algorithm or a learning model.

[0152] A computer device 1 of generation according to the invention may also comprise one or more communication means 30.

[0153] A communication means 30 may be configured to transmit values ​​of characteristics of the custom packaging, industrial sequences, machine configuration values ​​and / or production characteristic values. The communication means are capable of receiving and transmitting the data on at least one communication network RI, for example to a manufacturer client 2, 3 or even a user client 4. The communication may be carried out via a wired or wireless protocol such as Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, Bluetooth, LoRa or Sigfox or any other equivalent communication network.

[0154] A computer device 1 of generation according to the invention may also comprise one or more human-machine interfaces 40. A human-machine interface may correspond to any element allowing a human being to communicate with a particular computer and without this list being exhaustive, voice assistance, a keyboard and means allowing in response to the orders entered on the keyboard to carry out displays and possibly to select using the mouse, or a touchpad, elements displayed on a screen. Another exemplary embodiment is a touch screen allowing to directly select on the screen the elements touched by the finger or an object and possibly with the possibility of displaying a virtual keyboard.

[0155] The invention may be the subject of numerous variants and applications other than those described above. In particular, unless otherwise indicated, the different structural and functional characteristics of each of the implementations described above should not be considered as combined and / or closely and / or inextricably linked to each other, but on the contrary as simple juxtapositions. Furthermore, the structural and / or functional characteristics of the different embodiments described above may be the subject in whole or in part of any different juxtaposition or any different combination.

[0156] The solution of the present invention can be used in a context where a user A given user wishes to determine which would be the most suitable solution for the manufacture of his custom packaging. Through a central platform, he can consult a plurality of suppliers capable of designing his custom packaging. Alternatively, the solution according to the present invention can take the form of a custom packaging configurator, hosted on a central server which will generate at least part of the characteristic values ​​of the custom packaging. Then, this central server will be able to request specific calculators, for example each associated with a manufacturer, which will be able, according to their respective references, to each generate at least one industrial sequence for the manufacture of the custom packaging. The central server will then be able to order them according to one or more production characteristics and present them to the user.Such a solution allows, in addition to speed of execution and the ability to operate in real time, to standardize the inputs and outputs of the computers for industrial sequences that are truly comparable between different sources without the data having been exchanged between manufacturers.

Claims

1. Claims Method (1000) for automatically generating at least one industrial sequence for the manufacture of custom packaging, each industrial sequence comprising a plurality of manufacturing operations adapted to be implemented in a predetermined manufacturing order (OF), said method using a data memory (10) configured to store: - A machine reference system (11), said machine reference system comprising values ​​corresponding to the characteristics of manufacturing machines available for the manufacture of the custom packaging; - A material reference system (12), said material reference system comprising values ​​corresponding to the characteristics of the materials available for the manufacture of the custom packaging; - A product reference system (13), said product reference system comprising values ​​defining manufacturing operations that can be implemented during the manufacture of the custom packaging, machines that can be used to construct the custom packaging, and constraints characteristic of the custom packaging; said method, implemented by one or more processors (20), comprising the steps of: - Reception (200) of characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging, said characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging including shape and material values ​​of the custom-made packaging to be designed; - Generation (300) of a plurality of industrial sequences for the manufacture of the custom-made packaging with available manufacturing machines, from the characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging, the machine reference (11), the material reference (12) and the product reference (13), each of said generated industrial sequences comprising configuration values ​​of the manufacturing machines used in the industrial sequence, the generation industrial sequences comprising checks (320) of the compatibility of successive manufacturing operations, said checks of the compatibility of the manufacturing operations being carried out in an inverse order (OIF) to the predetermined manufacturing order (OF) and an incompatibility between successive manufacturing operations leading to a deletion of the industrial sequence currently being generated in question; - Calculation (400) of at least one production characteristic value for each of the industrial sequences generated, from the configuration values ​​of the machines; and - Selection (500) of at least one industrial sequence for the manufacture of the custom packaging according to the calculated production characteristic values.

2. Method (1000) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the verifications (320) of the compatibility comprise, when adding a previous manufacturing operation in the manufacturing order to the industrial sequence being generated, a verification (321) of the compatibility of this previous manufacturing operation with one or more of the subsequent manufacturing operations in the manufacturing order, said subsequent manufacturing operations already being included in an industrial sequence being generated.

3. Method (1000) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the generation of the industrial sequences comprises an elimination (331) of an industrial sequence during generation when at least one of the configuration values ​​of the manufacturing machines used in the sequence is not compatible with one of the configuration values ​​of the previous manufacturing machines necessary for the manufacture of the custom packaging.

4. Method (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the generation of the industrial sequences comprises successive parameterizations (341) of the manufacturing operations so as to generate, for each of the industrial sequences, the configuration values ​​of the machines, said successive parameterizations being carried out in an order inverse to the predetermined manufacturing order (OF).

5. Method (1000) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the generation of industrial sequences comprises storages (351) of context values ​​on a context data memory (14) arranged to be dynamically modified during the generation process, said context values ​​defining at least in part the custom packaging being formed and being modified according to the successive settings of the manufacturing operations.

6. Method (1000) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, when the generation of the industrial sequences includes a modification of context values ​​following the addition of a manufacturing operation in the industrial sequence being formed, the method includes a verification of the compatibility of a subsequent manufacturing operation with the modified context values, said subsequent manufacturing operation having been selected for old context values.

7. Method (1000) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the generation of the industrial sequences comprises a use of a context value generated during the parameterization of a subsequent manufacturing operation for the parameterization of a previous manufacturing operation.

8. Method (1000) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the generation of the industrial sequences comprises a use of a context value generated during the parameterization of a previous manufacturing operation for the re-parameterization of a subsequent manufacturing operation.

9. Method (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the custom-made packaging comprises a material selected from: paper, compact cardboard and corrugated cardboard.

10. Method (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the selection of at least one industrial sequence is carried out in less than five minutes after receiving the characteristic values ​​of the custom packaging.

11. Method (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises a step of manufacturing (800) the custom packaging, by at least one of the available machines, said available machine being configured at least in part according to the configuration values ​​of the machines of a selected industrial sequence.

12. Computer device (1) for automatically generating at least one industrial sequence for the manufacture of custom packaging, each industrial sequence comprising a plurality of manufacturing operations adapted to be implemented in a predetermined manufacturing order (MO), said computer device (1) comprising: a data memory (10) configured to store: - A machine reference system (11), said machine reference system comprising values ​​corresponding to the characteristics of manufacturing machines available for the manufacture of the custom packaging; - A material reference system (12), said material reference system comprising values ​​corresponding to the characteristics of the materials available for the manufacture of the custom packaging; - A product reference system (13), said product reference system comprising values ​​defining manufacturing operations that can be implemented during the manufacture of the custom packaging, machines that can be used to construct the custom packaging, and constraints characteristic of the custom packaging; one or more processors (20), configured to perform the steps of: - Reception (200) of characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging, said characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging including shape and material values ​​of the custom-made packaging to be designed; - Generation (300) of a plurality of industrial sequences for the manufacture of the custom-made packaging with available manufacturing machines, from the characteristic values ​​of the custom-made packaging, the machine reference (11), the material reference (12) and the product reference (13), each of said generated industrial sequences comprising configuration values ​​of the manufacturing machines used in the industrial sequence, the generation of the industrial sequences comprising verifications (320) of the compatibility of the successive manufacturing operations, said verifications of the compatibility of the manufacturing operations

13. manufacturing being carried out in reverse order (OIF) to the predetermined manufacturing order (MO) and an incompatibility between successive manufacturing operations resulting in the deletion of the industrial sequence currently being generated in question; - Calculation (400) of at least one production characteristic value for each of the generated industrial sequences, from the machine configuration values; and - Selection (500) of at least one industrial sequence for manufacturing the custom packaging based on the calculated production characteristic values. A computer program comprising program code instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 when said program is executed on a computer.

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