Processing primary products into secondary products

Abstract

A method (100) for processing a primary product (A) into a secondary product (C), the method comprising: a step (S15) of providing a primary product (A); a step (S1) of providing access to a database (3) configured to include a plurality of data structures (4); a step (S19) of processing the primary product (A) into an identifiable quantity of secondary product (C) by a processing device (11); a step (S20) of generating a report indicating the processing status during the processing step (S19) by a status reporting device (14) associated with the processing device (11); a step (S28) of generating a unique object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity obtained during the processing step (S19); and one data item (5) holding the object identifier and one data item ( A method (100) comprising: a step (S29) of generating a data structure (4) having 5); a step (S64) of generating a state indicator showing the current state of an identifiable quantity of variable factors indicated by an object identifier, wherein the current state shows at least one state selected from the group consisting of expected production date, storage location, ownership, reservation, intended deployment, intended usage, percentage remaining, actual deployment, and price; a step (S65) of setting data items of a data structure associated with a secondary product (C) to hold the state indicator; a step (S67) of adding a data structure associated with an identifiable quantity of a secondary product (C) to a database (3); and a step (S52) of providing an identifiable quantity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product. Further, the present disclosure relates to a method for generating a data structure, a method for determining characteristic values of an identifiable amount of a primary product, a method for producing a secondary product using a processing device, and a computer program product.

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 237628 A1 discloses a workflow for tracking carbon credits. When a primary product (e.g., a polymer) is converted into a secondary product (e.g., a resin), a blockchain entry is created, which includes a packet holding details of the secondary product and a packet holding details of the primary product.

[0003] To produce high-quality products, it is desirable to increase the knowledge about the characteristics of these products.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide means for transferring more precisely defined characteristics of a product to the next processing phase in the product life cycle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Multiple solutions to this object are presented below. However, it is considered important to mention that all the presented aspects and options can be implemented together. Therefore, any feature disclosed in relation to one aspect and / or option can be combined with all other aspects or options.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is proposed for processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product. The method includes the steps of: providing at least one primary product; processing at least one primary product into an identifiable quantity of secondary product using a processing device; generating a report using a status reporting device associated with the processing device, which includes at least one status value indicating the processing status during the processing step; generating a unique object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step; generating a data structure having at least two data items, one of which holds the object identifier and the other holds the generated report; and providing the identifiable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step. When the proposed method is performed, a data structure that identifies the processing and / or characteristics of the identifiable quantity of secondary product becomes available. The data structure, along with the associated identifiable quantity, can be transferred to the next processing phase. Thus, at least one characteristic of the secondary product becomes known with greater precision.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is proposed for processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product. The method includes the steps of: providing at least one primary product; processing at least one primary product into an identifiable quantity of secondary product using a processing device; generating a report using a status reporting device associated with the processing device, which includes at least one status value indicating the processing status during the processing steps; generating a unique object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing steps; generating a data structure having at least two data items, one of which holds the object identifier and the other holds the generated report; signing the data structure by setting a data item in the data structure to hold a signature indicating a natural person or legal entity and / or a group thereof; setting a data item in the data structure to hold a cryptographic representation of the signed data structure; and providing the identifiable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing steps. When the proposed method is performed, a data structure identifying the processing and / or characteristics of the identifiable quantity of secondary product becomes available. The data structure, along with its associated identifiable quantity, can be transferred to the next processing phase. Thus, at least one characteristic of the secondary product becomes known with greater precision. Furthermore, the signature is preferably an electronic signature. The signature is typically verifiable so that it is possible to verify which legal entity or natural person and / or group signed the data structure. Many well-established methods exist for signing data, and these can be used to their advantage herein. Signing data typically serves the purpose of data security.

[0008] The processing device may include a configuration and / or a set of processing devices. The processing device may be any device configured to process at least one primary product into at least one secondary product. Preferably, the primary product is processed into a secondary product by the processing device.

[0009] The primary product preferably differs from the secondary product in at least one product quality. Product quality may be the chemical, physical, and / or mechanical properties of the product. The product quality of the secondary product is influenced by the recorded conditions of processing by the processing device.

[0010] The data structure is preferably configured to represent a production process performed during the production of an identifiable quantity of a secondary product. The data structure is associated with one process and / or one identifiable quantity from said process. This association is made by a unique object identifier. Thus, this object identifier is the object identifier of the data structure itself, as it identifies and / or indicates the object of the data structure, and this is further specified by the remaining data items.

[0011] A status reporting device may be configured to monitor the status of a process and report the monitored status and / or calculation results based on the monitored status. Examples of status reporting devices include sensors, including so-called edge devices, drivers, actuators, and / or evaluation software connected in series thereto. The report may include a time series of status values, as this improves the accuracy of the report. If two or more process states are reported, it is preferable to have multiple synchronized time series with different or identifiable status values. This step facilitates an optional step of deriving the status values ​​of the process. At least one process state is recorded during the process of processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product. That is, the status value represents the conditions under which the secondary product was acquired. It is preferable that the record is generated during the processing process. However, there may be applications of this method where it is preferable to generate the record after the second product has been acquired, or at least finalized. For example, a back filter may only be applicable after the time series is complete.

[0012] Optionally, during the process of providing, the identifiable quantities may be provided separately, and the method may include a step of linking the separated identifiable quantities to a generated data structure. Since the processed identifiable quantities are provided in a separated form and linked to a data structure, the knowledge of the characteristics(s) and the identifiable quantities in an identifiable form are available individually or in combination. Providing the identifiable quantities separately includes at least separating the identifiable quantities. Providing them separately may include providing them in a movable form.

[0013] The linking process can be understood as the process of establishing a bidirectional connection between a separated quantity and a generated data structure. The quantity in the secondary product is a physical or "real-world" entity. The data structure can be a physical or "real-world" entity, such as a description on paper, or a virtual entity, such as an entry in a database stored on a computer, in which case a virtual data structure is preferred. The bidirectional connection can mean that starting from a quantity, one can find / access the data structure, and starting from a data structure, one can find / identify the quantity.

[0014] The separately provided step may optionally include packaging the identifiable quantity obtained from the processing step, i.e., the identifiable quantity of the secondary product, into a package. When the identifiable quantity is packaged, it is easier to identify this quantity. "Package" preferably includes one package or at least one package.

[0015] Optionally, the linking step includes attaching the link object to the package. Thus, the user can follow the attached link to reach the data structure. This embodiment is useful, for example, when dealing with identifiable quantities. Preferred examples of attaching the link include printing the link object on the package, writing the link object to a data storage device attached to the package, and / or providing the link object within the package. Each of these preferred examples provides a unique combination of accessibility to the link and persistence of the link.

[0016] This method may be optionally applied to a process in which, during the processing step, at least one primary product is processed into multiple identifiable quantities of the same and / or different secondary products, and at least the following steps may be optionally performed on each of the multiple identifiable quantities: namely, generating a unique object identifier, generating a data structure, providing the identifiable quantities, and, where applicable, linking the separated identifiable quantities and attaching linked objects. Thus, precise knowledge of the multiple identifiable quantities of secondary products can be obtained.

[0017] Preferably, the amount of the primary product or the secondary product is an identifiable amount. According to one aspect of the present invention, an alternative method is proposed for processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product. The method includes the steps of: providing at least one primary product; processing at least one primary product into an identifiable quantity of secondary product using a processing device; generating a report using a status reporting device associated with the processing device, which includes at least one status value indicating the processing status during the processing step; generating a unique object identifier indicating the processing during the processing step; generating a data structure having at least two data items, wherein one data item holds the object identifier and the other data item holds the generated report; and providing the identifiable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step. When the proposed method is performed, a data structure that identifies the processing and / or characteristics of the identifiable quantity of secondary product becomes available. Thus, at least one characteristic of the secondary product resulting from the processing is implicitly known in the data structure and, together with the identifiable quantity, can be moved to the next processing phase.

[0018] According to another option, the above method may be combined such that the object identifier indicates the process in the processing step and the identifiable quantity of secondary products obtained from the process in the processing step. This method may be advantageously applied, for example, when multiple secondary products are obtained from the same process.

[0019] The following options apply to the above methods in which an object identifier indicates a process, and in which an object identifier indicates an identifiable quantity.

[0020] Herein, several options are presented of methods that may be applied during or after the generation of the data structure. In particular in this regard, “setting data items” of the data structure to hold specific values ​​may include one of the following: generating data items while generating the data structure and assigning specific values ​​to the data items; extending the data structure by adding data items and assigning specific values ​​to the data items; and / or providing a generated data structure having data items and assigning specific values ​​to the data items.

[0021] According to the preferred option, the step of providing the acquired identifiable quantity includes providing a separated identifiable quantity at an identifiable location, and the method includes setting a data item in a data structure to hold a location identifier indicating the identifiable location. Thus, a user can easily locate the location of an identifiable quantity of product having specific product characteristics.

[0022] This method may include providing a data owner indicator that identifies a natural person or legal entity and / or a group thereof, and configuring a data item in a data structure to hold a data owner indicator. Preferably, the data owner indicator represents one or more persons responsible for holding, maintaining, updating, modifying, and / or otherwise being responsible for the data structure. This feature facilitates the centralization of accurate knowledge with clear responsibility, for example, by storing it so that it is available on a server. Therefore, if at least one of many parties is permitted access to at least one of many data structures, handling the data structures does not become more difficult.

[0023] This method may include providing an identifiable quantity of owner indicators that represent natural persons or legal entities and / or groups thereof, and configuring data items in a data structure to hold these identifiable quantity of owner indicators. This feature fulfills the task of describing an identifiable quantity of economic characteristics. However, in contrast to the concept of having parallel data structures for identifiable quantities of economic characteristics in addition to the aforementioned data structures for process characteristics, it is easier to include all characteristics in a single data structure to address and conserve space and computational power. That is, a technical solution that handles technical and economic characteristics in a common data structure has the technical advantage of saving resources.

[0024] Furthermore, this method may include configuring a data item in a data structure to hold a processing device identifier that indicates the processing device used to obtain an identifiable quantity. When two separate processing devices exist for the same task, the secondary product processed by one processing device is likely to be different from the secondary product processed by the other processing device. However, it is possible that a state recording device may not perceive or record these differences, and / or at the time of processing, it may not yet be known what differences will have what effect later. Therefore, there are many use cases in which it is beneficial to know which processing device was involved in obtaining an identifiable quantity.

[0025] The method may also include setting a data item of a data structure to hold a processing time indicator indicating when an identifiable amount was produced. Preferably, the processing time indicator includes the start time of the process so that other status values can be traced retrospectively from, for example, a device log. Preferably, the processing time indicator includes the stop time of the process so that the age of the product can be determined. Optionally, the method may include determining a production timestamp indicating the time of the said processing step and / or the time of the said steps provided separately, and setting a data item of a data structure to hold the production timestamp.

[0026] Preferably, the method may include setting a data item of a data structure to hold a status report device identifier indicating the status report device used to obtain a report. This information also makes it possible to take into account the differences in individual sensitivities between different status report devices.

[0027] The primary product may not be delivered in an identifiable amount, for example, via a buffer tank or by a pipeline. For example, in these cases, it may be advantageous for the step of providing at least one primary product to include providing a lot of the primary product and a primary product lot identifier indicating the lot of the primary product, and the method further includes setting a data item of a data structure to hold a primary product lot indicator.

[0028] The data structure may be shared with competing companies, customers, and / or other third parties, in which case confidentiality is not guaranteed. If the method includes encrypting at least one data item, the confidentiality of the encrypted data item content can be maintained.

[0029] To increase knowledge about a specific identifiable quantity, the method may include the steps of: generating another report by another state reporting device associated with a processing device, wherein the other report includes at least one further state value indicating a processing state during a process being processed; and setting up data items in a data structure to hold the generated other report.

[0030] To further process secondary products, classification of secondary products may be important. For example, to obtain the next level of product with a desired quality, it may be necessary to use only secondary products from a specific bin within the specifications of the secondary product, or to mix secondary products from different bins to evenly reflect a particular range. Therefore, the method may include providing a set of statistical rules configured to determine a statistical measure for at least one report, determining a single statistical measure based on at least one report and the set of statistical rules, and configuring data items in a data structure to hold the single statistical measure.

[0031] Furthermore, the method may include signing a data structure by configuring data items in the data structure to hold a signature representing a natural person or legal entity and / or a group thereof, and configuring data items in the data structure to hold a cryptographic representation of the signed data structure. The signature is preferably an electronic signature. The signature is usually verifiable so as to which legal entity or natural person and / or group signed the data structure. There are many well-established methods for signing data, and these can be used to our advantage as described herein. Signing data is usually for data security purposes.

[0032] Furthermore, the method may include determining a cryptographic representation of a data structure associated with an identifiable amount of primary products, and configuring data items in a secondary data structure to hold the cryptographic representation of the data structure associated with an identifiable amount of primary products. This option enables blockchain, which is beneficial in larger ecosystems where many parties contribute to the data structure.

[0033] Optionally, the method may include providing at least one identifiable quantity of primary product, and for each provided identifiable quantity of primary product, providing a data structure associated with the identifiable quantity, wherein the data structure includes one data item holding an object identifier representing the identifiable quantity of primary product, and another item holding a report including at least one state value indicating the processing state of a process performed while acquiring the identifiable quantity of primary product indicated by the object identifier, and generating the (new) data structure mentioned in the above option, such that the data structure also includes a further data item holding an object identifier representing the identifiable quantity of primary product. This option provides additional access to a history of process states of previous processes, as well as the process state of the most recent process. All of these process states are individual and unique to the identifiable quantity of secondary product indicated by its own object identifier, which is held within the newly generated data structure.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is proposed for processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one primary product; providing access to a database configured to include a plurality of data structures; processing at least one primary product into an identifiable quantity of secondary product by a processing device; generating a report by a status reporting device associated with the processing device, including at least one status value indicating the processing status during the processing step; generating a unique object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step; generating a data structure having at least two data items, one of which holds the object identifier and the other holds the generated report; adding or inputting a data structure associated with the identifiable quantity of secondary product into a database; and providing the identifiable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step. The dataset is useful in that it can be used not only, for example, for adjusting parameters in a direct subsequent processing step, but also in many subsequent processing steps up to the final product, and even in the recycling of the final product and / or the recycling of excess products. All of these process steps may be performed by different entities at different times and places, and in many cases, the subsequent steps may even be unknown at the point in time when a specific identifiable quantity is produced. By adding the data structure to the database, the content of the data structure is ensured to be provisioned, and as a result, accurate product characteristic knowledge is ensured to be obtained. Therefore, it is easily and reliably searchable by any subsequent process step.

[0035] Many database technologies are known in this field. Any database technology can be used to implement this database, as long as it keeps the data structure accessible. Preferably, a distributed database such as a cloud service may be used. An internet-based database is preferred because it facilitates the communication of the data structure to many participants.

[0036] While the focus of data structures and databases is to provide technical characteristics for technical processes, it may be essential to recognize that non-technical information of its own, such as location or ownership of a specific identifiable quantity, can also have a strong technical impact, for example in the handling of materials and / or in the acceleration adjustment of continuous processing devices. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is proposed for processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one primary product; providing access to a database configured to include a plurality of data structures; processing at least one primary product into an identifiable quantity of secondary products by a processing device; generating a report by a status reporting device associated with the processing device, including at least one status value indicating the processing status during the processing step; generating a unique object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step; and at least two data items, one data item holding the object identifier and the other data item being generated The process includes: generating a data structure having at least two data items that hold the report; generating a state indicator that shows the current state of a variable factor of an identifiable quantity indicated by an object identifier, wherein the current state shows at least one state selected from the group consisting of expected production date, storage location, ownership, reservation, intended deployment, intended usage, percentage remaining, actual deployment, and price; configuring a data item in a data structure associated with a secondary product such that the data item holds the state indicator; adding or entering a data structure associated with an identifiable quantity of a secondary product into a database; and providing the identifiable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing process. The state indicator may include at least one current state.

[0037] Optionally, the method further includes providing at least one identifiable quantity of primary product, and providing a data structure associated with the provided at least one identifiable quantity of primary product, wherein the data structure includes one data item holding an object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity of primary product, and another item holding a report including at least one status value indicating the processing status of a process performed while acquiring the identifiable quantity of primary product indicated by the object identifier; configuring a data item in a secondary data structure to hold an object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity of primary product; and adding the data structure associated with the identifiable quantity of primary product to a database. Thus, the data structure can not only reflect the status value of one process, but can also point to and / or point to data structures that reflect the status values ​​of preceding process steps. Thus, this option provides a deeper and more precise technical specification of a particular product. Preferably, the method further includes adding the primary data structure to a database.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is proposed for processing at least one primary product into at least one secondary product. The method includes the steps of: providing at least one identifiable quantity of primary product; providing a data structure associated with the provided at least one identifiable quantity of primary product, wherein the data structure includes one data item holding an object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity of primary product; and another data item holding a report including at least one status value indicating the processing status of a process performed while acquiring the identifiable quantity of primary product indicated by the object identifier; processing at least one primary product into an identifiable quantity of secondary product using a processing device; generating a unique object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity of secondary product acquired by the processing during the processing step; generating a new data structure having at least two data items, one data item holding a generated object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity of secondary product, and the other data item holding an object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity of primary product; and providing the identifiable quantity acquired by the processing during the processing step. This method also provides deeper and more precise technical specifications for a particular product. Therefore, by performing this embodiment of the method, a chain of data structures is generated, and these data structures are related to one another by referencing the object identifier of the primary product. Thus, the data structures of the secondary product refer to a history or log of process state values ​​of process steps performed prior to this process step.

[0039] This method enables an understanding of the characteristics of a secondary product arising from the processing steps from a primary product to a secondary product. This method also allows for a deeper understanding of the characteristics of a secondary product, not arising from the processing steps from primary to secondary product, but from knowing one or more precise characteristics of the primary product. After performing this method, three entities / results are obtained: a data structure associated with an identifiable quantity of primary products, a new identifiable quantity of secondary products, and a new data structure holding a generated object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity of secondary products. In other words, this method results in a chain of digital twins of products, where the digital twin of the secondary product points to the digital twin of the primary product. Having a chain of digital twins is advantageous because, for example, due to the duration of characterization testing, or when characteristics are known (detectable) only from the secondary product, the characteristics of an identifiable quantity of primary products may only be known after the generation of the secondary product, in which case the chain of digital twins maintains a single, and therefore distinct, database.

[0040] The term "identifiable quantity" is a general term relating to the specific unit or particular unit of this product. An "identifiable quantity" has a quantity such as weight, volume, particle count, and / or mole count, and defines the magnitude of this quantity. An "identifiable quantity" also possesses identifiability, which is another characteristic that, at least one point in time during processing, a user can distinguish this quantity from another quantity. This identifiability may correspond to the quantity delivered in a container and / or over a specific period of time. For example, an identifiable quantity may be delivered from a first processing device on / in a conveying means between two defined points in time.

[0041] A data structure provided in association with an identifiable amount of primary products may be called a primary data structure or a first data structure, while a newly generated data structure associated with an identifiable amount of secondary products may be called a secondary data structure or a second data structure.

[0042] According to the option, the second data structure may be generated to have only data items other than or different from the data items of the provided data structure associated with an identifiable quantity of primary products, in addition to a data item that holds an object identifier indicating an identifiable quantity of primary products. This option means that the data structure is forced to have distinct data items, which is beneficial for data reliability.

[0043] Depending on the options, the method may include providing access to a database configured to contain multiple data structures, each database having at least two data items, and configured to provide access to the data structures such that any data item of the accessed data structure is configurable; and adding a identifiable amount of data structures associated with secondary products to the database. The characteristic of a data item being "configurable" includes the fact that the data item is addable to a data structure, modifiable within the data structure, and removable from the data structure. In other words, the method may include providing access to a database configured to contain multiple data structures, each database having at least two data items, and configured to provide access to the data structures such that the data items are addable to the accessed data structure, modifiable within the accessed data structure, and removable from the accessed data structure; and adding a identifiable amount of data structures associated with secondary products to the database.

[0044] One or more added and / or modified data items may retain an identifiable amount of their current location.

[0045] One or more added and / or modified data items may hold the current owner and / or owner history of the data structure, the current owner and / or owner history of the data item, and / or an identifiable amount of current owner and / or owner history indicated by the object identifier of the data structure.

[0046] One or more added and / or modified data items may hold a timestamp (see below), transit duration, process values ​​of the transit process (e.g., temperature during transit), and an identifiable amount of past and / or present location data (e.g., transit tracking).

[0047] One or more added and / or modified data items may hold process data for the test process to test an identifiable quantity of sample.

[0048] One or more added and / or modified data items may hold role information indicating the authorization level of natural persons and / or legal entities and / or groups thereof, which also indicates the authorization level for this data structure and / or one or more defined data items within this data structure. For example, different people may be authorized to read different data items. For example, a data owner may authorize a test device operator to modify certain data items reserved for test information.

[0049] One or more added and / or modified data items may hold information relating to an identifiable quantity indicated by their object identifier, such as encryption rules, handling rules, storage rules, and / or exclusion criteria for the data structure and / or for those data items.

[0050] One or more added and / or modified data items may include certificate information and / or certificate expiration information, which are preferably signed, preferably cryptographically signed, data items. A "Fair Trade" certificate is an example of such certificate information.

[0051] One or more added and / or modified data items may hold commercial information and / or its history relating to identifiable quantities indicated by their object identifier, such as manufacturing costs, labor information, sales price, offered sales price, actual sales price, and / or exchange rates on the date of sale.

[0052] One or more added and / or modified data items may hold manufacturing tool data indicating one or more manufacturing tools used while manufacturing / processing an identifiable quantity indicated by its object identifier.

[0053] One or more of the above data items may also be added to the data structure initially when the data structure is first created.

[0054] Therefore, the generated data structure is stored in a database so that additional data items can be added to the data structure later. This is useful, for example, when the test results for an identified quantity of sample are only available after the identified quantity has been produced.

[0055] The generated data structure is retained in the database so that data items can be modified. This is useful when the state or characteristics of an identifiable quantity are variable, such as the location or concentration of a volatile component.

[0056] The generated data structure is retained in the database so that data items can be deleted from the data structure. This is useful, for example, when the state or characteristics of an identifiable quantity, such as storage location, become outdated when that quantity has been completely used to produce a secondary product.

[0057] Adding, modifying, and / or deleting only selected data items means that the rest of the data structure remains. This invention addresses use cases where the data structure is used in subsequent processes in the lifecycle of an identifiable amount of product. Therefore, setting (i.e., adding, modifying, and / or deleting) only a single data item is advantageous over blockchains and the like because it saves memory space. In addition, there is no "more recent" version of the data structure, which saves time when searching for the data structure.

[0058] Depending on the choice, the method may, in addition or alternatively, include providing access to a database configured to contain multiple data structures, accessing a single data structure held by the database via the database, and setting data items in the accessed data structure. In other words, the method may further include providing access to a database configured to contain multiple data structures, accessing a single data structure held by the database via the database, adding data items to the accessed data structure, modifying data items in the accessed data structure, and / or removing data items from the accessed data structure.

[0059] Depending on the options, this method may include providing access to a database, accessing a data structure held by the database via the database, and reading data items from the accessed data structure. This could be used, for example, to adjust process parameters in a secondary production process. It could also be used to select an identifiable quantity from several identifiable quantities for secondary processing based on specific characteristics of the product reflected in the process state indicated by the read data items.

[0060] According to one option, the method may include providing a pre-configured feature rule set that specifies at least one feature value determination rule configured to determine at least one feature value based on at least one record, and specifying at least one record applicable to the feature rule set, and determining at least one feature value by applying the at least one record specified by the feature rule set to at least one rule specified by the feature rule set. This option is useful for customers to determine whether an identifiable quantity meets pre-configured technical requirements without disclosing all process data. Preferably, the method further includes configuring a data item in a data structure to hold the determined at least one feature value. Thus, the determination can be stored and retrieved without having to spend computation time again to repeat the task.

[0061] To improve the reliability and / or acceptability of reports contained in a data structure, the method may include taking a sample from an identifiable quantity of the secondary product; generating a test result showing at least one material property of the processed and / or separate identifiable quantities of the secondary product; generating a test result indicator showing the generated test result; and setting a data item in the data structure to hold the test result indicator. Preferably, the sample is taken within a time frame from the start of processing until the identifiable quantities are provided separately.

[0062] Samples may be taken during and / or immediately after the process of processing an identifiable amount of primary product into an identifiable amount of secondary product. At that time, the generation of the test result indicator is very fast, so it may be possible to add data structures to a database that originally contained data items that hold the test result indicator. Each data structure is added to the database, and the method involves accessing the data structures through the database and adding / modifying data items that hold the test result indicator, so the generation of the test result indicator may take some time.

[0063] Optionally, this method may include collecting the sample according to a schedule, accessing the data structure via a database, and adding / modifying data items that hold test result indicators. Therefore, product quality can be monitored.

[0064] Optionally, this method may include taking the sample at the user's request, accessing the data structure via a database, and adding / modifying data items that hold test result indicators. Therefore, product quality information can be updated upon request. For example, a potential buyer might request detailed information (primary production process status data) about one or more identifiable quantities of primary products to control the quality of the secondary production process or secondary products.

[0065] Another advantage is when the quality of an identifiable quantity of primary product is known only in conjunction with secondary production process parameters. For example, the secondary process temperature can serve as a basis for concluding the chemical composition of an identifiable quantity of primary product. A use case might be evaluating this course to use a course of chemical compositions of multiple identifiable quantities of primary product as a basis for adjusting the process parameters of a future primary production process. This also relates to chemical product parameters, physical product parameters, chemical process parameters, and physical process parameters.

[0066] Alternatively, a pre-tested sample can be considered as a primary product, a tested sample as a secondary product, testing a sample from an identifiable quantity as processing a pre-tested sample into a tested sample using a test instrument, and generating a test report by a test report generator as generating a report by a status reporting device. For example, the test instrument could be a container, and the test report generator could be a temperature probe inside the container. Thus, testing a sample from an identifiable quantity and storing the test results in an associated data structure can be achieved by a method, the method comprising: providing access to a database configured to include multiple data structures; providing at least one primary product which is a pre-tested sample / sample to be tested; providing access via the database to a data structure having at least one data item that holds its own object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity of primary product from which the sample was taken; processing at least one primary product (sample) into an identifiable quantity of secondary product using a processing device, wherein the identifiable quantity of secondary product is a tested sample, and the processing device is a test instrument; and generating a report by a status reporting device associated with the processing device, wherein the report The process includes: a step of generating a new unique object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity obtained by the process during the process, wherein the report is a test report, the status reporting device is a test report generator, and the status value is a test result; a step of generating a new data structure having at least two data items, wherein one data item holds the generated new object identifier and the other data item holds the generated report; a step of adding the generated new data structure to a database; and a step of setting another data item of the data structure to hold the generated new object identifier, wherein the data item holds its own object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity of primary product from which the sample was taken.At that time, the test results can be stored separately but linked to a data structure of the sampled quantity. A use case might be when many parties need to access the data structure of the sampled quantity, but it is undesirable for all parties to be able to read the test results.

[0067] A related aspect of the present invention proposes a method for generating a data structure. The method includes: providing access to a database configured to include a plurality of data structures; providing at least one report including at least one state value indicating the processing state during a process to be processed; providing a state indicator indicating the current state of an identifiable quantity obtained by the process, wherein the processing state of the process is indicated by at least one report; generating a unique object identifier indicating an identifiable quantity of product obtained by performing the process, wherein the report of the process indicates the processing state; generating a data structure having at least two data items, where one data item holds the generated object identifier and at least one further data item holds the provided report; and adding or inputting the data structure associated with the identifiable quantity of primary product into the database. By inputting the data structure into the database, the content of the data structure is reliably provided, and as a result, accurate product characteristic knowledge is reliably obtained. Thus, the accurate product characteristics are easily and reliably searchable and available for use by any subsequent process step.

[0068] Each method described herein may be applicable in many technical fields. However, preferably, each method described herein is applicable to the field of chemistry. Therefore, preferably, the primary product is a chemical product and / or chemical raw material, and the secondary product is a chemical product. A chemical product is defined by a chemical description and, optionally, by a physical, electrical, and / or mechanical description.

[0069] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is proposed for processing at least one primary product into a secondary product. The proposed method includes the steps of: providing at least one identifiable quantity of primary product; and for each provided identifiable quantity of primary product, providing a data structure associated with the identifiable quantity, wherein the data structure includes one data item holding an object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity of primary product and another item holding a report including at least one status value indicating the processing status of a process performed while obtaining the identifiable quantity of primary product indicated by the object identifier; processing at least one primary product into an identifiable quantity of secondary product using a processing device; generating a unique object indicating the identifiable quantity of secondary product; generating a data structure having at least two data items, where one data item holds a generated object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity of secondary product and the other data item holds an object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity of primary product; and providing the identifiable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step. Thus, by performing the method of this aspect, a chain of data structures is generated, and the data structures are associated with one another by referencing the object identifier of the primary product. Therefore, the data structure of the secondary product refers to the history or log of process state values ​​from the process steps performed before this process step. Thus, this method allows for a deeper understanding of the characteristics of the secondary product that do not arise from the processing steps from the primary product to this secondary product.

[0070] Depending on the options, the method in this embodiment may include the steps of: generating a report by each status reporting device associated with the processing device, which includes at least one status value indicating the processing status during the process being processed; and setting a data item in a secondary data structure to hold the generated report. Thus, the data structure notifies of one or more process states of the process being processed and, via a primary product object identifier, points to one or more previous process states.

[0071] Furthermore, this method allows for the optional provision of a primary product lot number. In this case, it is preferable to include in the method a primary product lot identifier indicating the lot of the primary product, and setting a data item in the data structure to hold the primary product lot indicator. Therefore, it is also possible to include detailed information about one or more primary products for which no data structure is provided. Here again, the technical characteristics of the secondary product become more accurate, opening the way for several technical improvements.

[0072] Preferably, a data item in the primary data structure holds a production timestamp indicating the time the primary product was produced. To provide the user with the lifespan of the primary product as a product characteristic, the method may include: determining a lifespan indicator indicating the duration from the time indicated by the production timestamp to the time the primary product is provided; setting a data item in the data structure associated with the primary product to hold the lifespan indicator; and / or setting a data item in the data structure associated with an identifiable quantity of secondary products to hold the lifespan indicator linked to an object identifier indicating an identifiable quantity of primary products.

[0073] Different identifiable quantities of the same primary product and the same number of primary data structures are available, each of which is associated with one of these identifiable quantities of primary products, and each primary data structure may have a data item that holds a production timestamp indicating the time when each primary product was produced. Preferably, the method in this case includes, for each identifiable quantity of primary product, the steps of: determining the number of years of use from the time indicated by the respective production timestamp to the present time; and selecting at least one of the identifiable quantities of primary products based on the respective years of use and a pre-configured set of rules, wherein the selected identifiable quantity(s) of primary products are provided in the providing step. Thus, primary products can be selected based on their respective years of use. Thus, older products can be selected before they become excessively degraded and out of specification. It is possible to wait until the concentration of undesirable volatile components in the primary product decreases. Identifiable quantities of primary products are sometimes called primary (identifiable) quantities. Identifiable quantities of secondary products are sometimes called secondary (identifiable) quantities.

[0074] To improve recycling performance, the secondary product is the final product, and the method may include attaching an identifier device to the secondary product, the identifier device indicating an object identifier of a secondary data structure. Therefore, the recycling process may include reading an identifier device such as an RFID tag, serial number, and / or QR code (registered trademark) on and / or inside the final product, and then determining the exact composition and / or characteristics of the final product so as to improve the quality of the recycled process product.

[0075] The embodiments and options described in this invention can be combined. Therefore, this alternative method may additionally include any other methods or alternative process steps described above and / or below to achieve the same advantageous effects.

[0076] Another aspect of the present invention refers to a data structure having at least two data items, one of which holds a unique object identifier indicating a process in a processing step and / or an identifiable quantity obtained by the process in the processing step, and the other data item holds a report including at least one state value indicating the processing state of the processing step. This data structure holds the report and the object identifier in relation to each other, and is a means for obtaining more accurate knowledge of the secondary product.

[0077] The data structure may include a data item that holds a package identifier indicating at least one package having the identifiable quantity indicated by the object identifier. Therefore, a link between the data structure and the identifiable quantity can be easily included in the data structure.

[0078] The data structure may include a data item that holds a location identifier indicating the identifiable location of the identifiable quantity, which is represented by the object identifier. Thus, the identifiable quantity can be easily found and handled.

[0079] A data structure may include a data item that holds a data owner indicator indicating the natural person or legal entity and / or group thereof that owns the data structure. Therefore, even in complex scenarios where many data structures exist from many sources and many consumers of these data structures, it is easily documented who is responsible for maintaining the data structure.

[0080] The data structure may include data items that hold an identifiable quantity owner indicator, which indicates the natural person or legal entity and / or group thereof that owns the identifiable quantity indicated by the object identifier. Thus, ownership of the identifiable quantity is easily documented.

[0081] The data structure may include a data item that holds a primary product lot identifier, which indicates the lot of the primary product for the identifiable quantity of secondary product, as indicated by the object identifier. Thus, users can easily track which lot of the primary product was used for which identifiable quantity of secondary product. This option makes it possible to satisfy legal regulations regarding source documentation, even in the complex scenario described above.

[0082] The data structure may include data items that hold test result indicators that show test results generated based on samples taken from the identifiable quantity indicated by the object identifier. This makes the product characteristics of the secondary product more accurate.

[0083] The data structure may include a data item that holds another report configured to include at least one state value indicating the processing status of a process of processing at least one raw material into the identifiable quantity of the product. This also increases knowledge of the product characteristics.

[0084] The data structure may include data items that hold characteristic feature values ​​and / or sets of feature values ​​specific to at least one report. This option is useful when the customer wants to decide whether the identifiable quantity meets predefined technical requirements, but the intermediary does not want to disclose some or all of the process data.

[0085] The data structure may contain encrypted data items, thereby ensuring confidentiality.

[0086] A data structure may contain data items, each data item may contain a signature configured to sign the data structure or at least a portion thereof, and each data item may hold a cryptographic representation of the signed data structure. This ensures the authenticity of the precise characteristic knowledge contained within the data structure.

[0087] The data structure may include data items that hold a cryptographic representation of a data structure associated with an identifiable quantity of primary products, i.e., elements preceding an identifiable quantity of products, indicated by its own object identifier. This option enables blockchain functionality that ensures customers can reliably recreate the history of preceding products and their characteristics. One use case could be carbon footprint determination.

[0088] The data structure may have at least two data items, one of which holds a second object identifier configured to be a unique object identifier for identifying a processed identifiable quantity of product, and at least one data item holds a first object identifier configured to be a unique object identifier for identifying an identifiable quantity of primary product that has been processed to the identifiable quantity identified by the second object identifier. Thus, the data structure technically represents the technical characteristics of the secondary product, which may derive from the technical process for obtaining the secondary product and one or more prior processes thereof. As a result, a more accurate technical description can be achieved.

[0089] According to one aspect of the present invention, the data structure may have at least two data items, one of which holds a second object identifier configured to be a unique object identifier for identifying a processed identifiable quantity of product, and at least one data item holds a first object identifier configured to be a unique object identifier for identifying an identifiable quantity of primary product processed to the identifiable quantity identified by the second object identifier. Thus, the data structure technically represents the technical characteristics of the secondary product, which may derive from the technical process for obtaining the secondary product and one or more prior processes thereof. As a result, a more accurate technical description can be achieved. The data structure of this aspect may have any features and advantages of any other data structures disclosed herein.

[0090] Another aspect of the present invention is a data carrier signal that carries data structures, as described above and / or provided by the methods described above. This is beneficial for distributed systems such as internet-connected manufacturing systems.

[0091] According to another aspect of the present invention, a database is proposed. The database includes or is configured to include a plurality of data structures. Each data structure includes at least two data items, one of which holds its own object identifier indicating an identifiable quantity of products, and the other data item holds a report including at least one state value, preferably a time series of state values, indicating the processing status of a process that was previously performed while acquiring the identifiable quantity of products indicated by its own object identifier. By adding the data structures to the database, the content of the data structures is ensured to be provisioned, and as a result, accurate product characteristic knowledge is ensured to be obtained. Thus, the accurate product characteristics are easily and reliably searchable and available to any subsequent process step. The database may preferably be computer-implemented.

[0092] Next, a method for using the data structure and / or database in the subsequent production process is presented. Thus, the secondary products described above may here be referred to as primary products for subsequent processing.

[0093] According to one aspect of the present invention, an alternative method is proposed for producing a secondary product from an identifiable quantity of a primary product. The method includes providing a data structure defined above and / or a data structure generated by any of the above methods; providing an identifiable quantity of a primary product, wherein the identifiable quantity is indicated by its own object identifier held by the data structure; reading a report from the data structure that includes at least one state value indicating the processing state of the provided identifiable quantity of primary product; adjusting the process parameters of a processing device based on the read report; and processing the provided identifiable quantity of primary product into a secondary product using or by the processing device. In other words, the method according to this aspect utilizes the documented and precise technical characteristics of the product associated with the data structure. By applying this method, it is possible to technically adapt the process to one or more technical characteristics of the primary product, and thus produce a secondary product with advanced characteristics. The secondary product may have more uniformly distributed characteristics and / or can be adjusted to tighter specifications.

[0094] Another aspect of the present invention involves using at least one data item of the data structure defined above and / or the process parameters of a processing device for processing an identifiable quantity of primary product, in particular as a basis for adjustment, of the data structure generated by any of the methods described above, wherein the identifiable quantity is indicated by its own object identifier held by the data structure. The use of this data structure and associated identifiable quantity has the same advantages as the methods described above.

[0095] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing a secondary product from a certain quantity of primary products. The proposed method includes the steps of: providing a data structure defined above and / or a data structure generated by any of the above methods as a first data structure; providing an identifiable quantity of primary products identified by object identifiers held by data items of the data structure; reading a report from the data structure that includes at least one state value indicating the processing state of the provided identifiable quantity of primary products; processing the provided identifiable quantity of primary products into secondary products using or by a processing device; recording at least one of the following: a state value of the processing device during the processing step, a deviation of the recorded state value from a target state value, product characteristic values ​​of the secondary product during and / or after the processing step, and / or a deviation of the recorded product characteristic value from a target characteristic value; and providing a dataset that includes at least one recorded value and an object identifier indicating an identifiable quantity of primary products. The method according to this embodiment has the advantageous effect of generating a data structure that can be used to improve the original or preceding process in which the primary product was processed into the secondary product, based on analysis generated during subsequent processing or follow-up processing in which the secondary product is processed into a tertiary product (a secondary product relative to the original secondary product). Thus, the original process can be optimized for subsequent processes over several process cycles. Ultimately, the overall quality of the final product is improved. Preferably, the step of providing a dataset containing recorded values ​​is part of the step of generating a new data structure such that the new data structure contains the quantity of the secondary product and a unique object identifier indicating the dataset. Preferably, any (remaining) steps of the method described above are also applied to this method such that the generated second data structure also contains a unique object identifier indicating the processed quantity of the second product.

[0096] This can be understood as a method for producing a second-generation secondary product from a second-generation primary product, where the second-generation primary product is the first-generation secondary product, the data structure is a data structure by any of the above-described methods for processing at least one first-generation primary product into at least one first-generation secondary product, the quantity provided is the quantity of the second-generation primary product (first-generation secondary product), and the second-generation primary product (i.e., the first-generation secondary product) is processed into a second-generation secondary product. In other words, the terms “primary” product and “secondary” product preferably relate to a single process, and if a series of processes exists, the secondary product of a previous process is the primary product of a subsequent process.

[0097] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method is proposed for determining an identifiable quantity of product characteristic values. The method provides a pre-configured feature rule set specifying at least one feature value determination rule configured to determine at least one on-feature value based on at least one record, and specifying at least one record applicable to the feature rule set; and provides access to a database configured to include a plurality of data structures, each data structure including at least two data items, one of which holds its own object identifier indicating an identifiable quantity of products, and the other data item holds a report including at least one state value, preferably a time series of state values, indicating the processing state of a process, which was previously performed while obtaining the identifiable quantity of products indicated by its own object identifier; accessing a data structure held by the database via the database; reading at least one report held in a data item of the accessed data structure as specified by the feature rule set; determining at least one feature value by applying at least one read record as specified by the feature rule set to at least one rule specified by the feature rule set; and configuring a data item of the accessed data structure to hold at least one determined feature value. Preferably, the output includes configuring the data items of the accessed data structure to maintain a single determined degree of uniformity. This embodiment of the method has the advantage of providing a single criterion for selecting an identifiable quantity of products that also meet very narrow specifications. The method includes configuring the data items of the accessed data structure to maintain at least one determined feature value, which can be stored and retrieved to save future computation time.

[0098] A further aspect of the present invention proposes a method for determining an identifiable quantity of product feature values. The method provides a pre-configured feature rule set, which specifies at least one feature value determination rule configured to determine at least one on-feature value based on at least one record, and specifies at least one record applicable to the feature rule set, wherein the pre-configured feature rule set includes at least two value ranges for each specified record, the ranges differing by at least one boundary value, and the determined feature value represents a bin defined by one of the value ranges; and provides access to a database configured to include a plurality of data structures, each data structure including at least two data items, one of which holds its own object identifier representing an identifiable quantity of product. The method includes: having another data item holding a report containing at least one state value, preferably a time series of state values, indicating the processing status of a process, which has been previously performed while acquiring an identifiable quantity of products indicated by its own object identifier; accessing a data structure held by the database via the database; reading at least one report held in a data item of the accessed data structure, as specified by a feature rule set; and determining at least one feature value by applying at least one read record, as specified by the feature rule set, to at least one rule specified by the feature rule set. This embodiment has at least two value ranges, and the determined feature value indicates a bin defined by one of the value ranges, so this choice enables binning of an identifiable quantity. In other words, each of these value ranges defines one bin for a product. A bin can be understood as a quality class in quality classification.

[0099] This method may optionally include, if a data item in a data structure holds an object identifier indicating an identifiable quantity of primary product, i.e., primary to an identifiable quantity of secondary product indicated by its own object identifier, the following steps may preferably be performed recursively: accessing a data structure via a database, where a data item in the data structure holds its own object identifier matching the object identifier of the primary product; and reading at least one report held in the data item of the accessed data structure, specified by a feature rule set, wherein the at least one feature value is also determined by applying at least one read record to at least one rule specified by the feature rule set. These steps include the preceding process state in the single-criterion determination, thus improving the accuracy of selecting the best match between different identifiable quantities of product and the requirements of the subsequent process.

[0100] Preferably, the method may include adding its own object identifier, held within a data item of the accessed data structure, to a selection list if a pre-defined criterion matches at least one determined feature value. Thus, if multiple data structures match the criterion, the results can be stored in a list, and rather than expending computational energy on this task again, only the results in the selection list can be further examined.

[0101] A more stringent approach is achieved, presumably using a smaller selection list result, when the object identifier of an accessed data structure is added to the selection list only if a pre-defined criterion matches each feature value determined from the data items of this same data structure. This functionality can be understood as a combination of selections. For example, a data structure may be added to the selection list only if data item A meets criterion A' and data item B meets criterion B at the same time.

[0102] In another aspect of the present invention, a method is proposed for producing a secondary product using a processing device, the method comprising: setting a set of feature rules for selecting a primary product to be processed; selecting at least one identifiable quantity of primary product by performing any of the above-described methods for determining the feature values ​​of an identifiable quantity of product based on a set list of requirements; and processing at least one identifiable quantity of primary product from the selected identifiable quantities(s) into at least one identifiable quantity of secondary product. Here, only the selected identifiable quantities of primary product can be further processed, thereby enabling extremely fine control over the quality of the secondary product.

[0103] One primary application of the present invention is to determine the quality of a product. This task is solved by a method for determining the product quality of an identifiable quantity of product, according to another aspect of the invention. This proposed method includes providing an object identifier indicating a pre-selected identifiable quantity; providing access to the aforementioned database; accessing a data structure containing data items holding its own object identifier corresponding to the provided object identifier; determining the product quality of at least one primary product of the identifiable quantity based on at least the data items contained in the accessed data structure and the provided pre-configured quality determination rule set; and outputting the determined product quality. Quality can be any product characteristic of a combination of product characteristics that can be derived from the data structure. This method allows for evaluations derived from processing status values. In other words, it allows access to another layer of precise product characteristics.

[0104] It is important to remember that one complete identifiable quantity of primary product is not necessarily processed into one complete identifiable quantity of secondary product. Therefore, this method preferably takes into account processing quotas, which may be set in the generally known and / or in the respective data items and may represent the quota of a particular quantity of primary product used to obtain an identifiable quantity of secondary product indicated by its own object identifier.

[0105] Preferably, the output includes outputting the determined product quality associated with the provided object identifier. For example, the quality and object identifier are passed on to another method, and / or the method includes setting a data item in the data structure indicated by the object identifier such that this data item holds the determined product quality. Therefore, the determination should not be repeated.

[0106] Optionally, this method may include, preferably recursively, reading object identifiers representing identifiable quantities of primary products from accessed data structures, accessing data structures containing data items holding their own object identifiers representing identifiable quantities provided for the identifiable quantities of products indicated by their own object identifiers, and determining at least one product quality for the identifiable quantities of primary products based on at least the data items contained in the accessed data structures and a provided pre-configured quality determination rule set. An exemplary example of product quality is the carbon footprint of a chemical product. Therefore, if a preceding process has documented carbon emissions in its respective data structure, the total carbon emissions for the identifiable quantities can be determined.

[0107] Another aspect of the present invention is proposed to be a method for producing a secondary product using a processing device, the method comprising: providing an identifiable quantity of primary product, the identifiable quantity being linked to an object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity; performing the above-described method for determining product quality based on the object identifier; setting at least one process parameter of the processing device based on at least one determined product quality; and processing at least a portion of the provided identifiable quantity of primary product into at least a portion of an identifiable quantity of secondary product using or by the processing device. The method uses the above-described method to adapt the process parameter to match the determined product quality. Thus, an improved secondary product can be obtained based on precise product characteristics.

[0108] Another aspect of the present invention refers to a computer program or computer program product including instructions, wherein when the instructions are interpreted or executed by at least one processor unit, the instructions cause at least one processor unit to perform one of the methods described above.

[0109] In a further embodiment, a computer-readable medium for storing the above-mentioned computer program instructions is proposed. Specifically, the computer-readable medium is a non-temporary computer-readable medium.

[0110] In embodiments, a computer program or computer program product includes program code for a computerized control device to perform the methods and functions described above when running on at least one computerized device. Computer program means, such as a computer program product, can be embodied as a file that can be downloaded from a memory card, USB stick, CD-ROM, DVD, or server on a network. For example, such a file may be provided by transferring a file containing a computer program product over a wireless communication network.

[0111] In short, the proposed method for processing at least one primary product into a secondary product includes the steps of: providing at least one primary product; processing at least one primary product into an identifiable quantity of secondary product using a processing device; generating a report using a status reporting device associated with the processing device, which includes at least one status value indicating the processing status during the processing step; generating a unique object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step; generating a data structure having at least two data items, where one data item holds the object identifier and the other data item holds the generated report; and providing the identifiable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step. Another proposed method for processing a primary product into a secondary product includes the steps of: providing at least one identifiable quantity of a primary product; providing at least one data structure associated with the identifiable quantity of primary product, wherein the data structure includes one data item that holds an object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity of primary product; processing the at least one primary product into an identifiable quantity of secondary product by a processing device; generating a unique object identifier indicating the acquired identifiable quantity; generating a new data structure having at least one data item that holds the generated object identifier and one data item that holds an object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity of primary product; and providing the identifiable quantity acquired during the processing steps.Another proposed method for processing a primary product into secondary products includes the steps of: providing a primary product; providing access to a database configured to include a plurality of data structures; processing the primary product into an identifiable quantity of secondary products using a processing device; generating a report indicating the processing status during the processing steps using a status reporting device associated with the processing device; generating a unique object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity obtained during the processing steps; generating a data structure having one data item for holding the object identifier and one data item for holding the report; adding a data structure associated with the identifiable quantity of secondary products to the database; and providing the identifiable quantity.

[0112] Furthermore, possible implementations or alternative solutions of the present invention also encompass combinations (not expressly mentioned herein) of the features described above or below with respect to this embodiment. Those skilled in the art may also add individual or separate embodiments and features to the most basic forms of the present invention.

[0113] Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and dependent claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0114] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram illustrates a scenario in which the method according to one embodiment of the present invention is implemented. [Figure 2] A flowchart of the method according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0115] In drawings, similar reference numerals, unless otherwise specified, refer to similar or functionally equivalent elements.

[0116] A use case for the present invention is the market for data structures. Each data structure reflects the processes performed during the product lifecycle, which includes the primary product and recycling information. Each of the real-world objects, referred to herein as “identifiable quantities,” is assigned a unique object identifier. The object identifier links the real-world object to the data structure.

[0117] The data structure holds processing parameters recorded during the production of each object from the primary product. Therefore, the data structure describes the object not by the measured quality of the object itself, or solely by its quality, but rather using the measured quality of the production process that produced the object. In the chemical industry in particular, it is expected that information about a specific object can be obtained far more deeply and accurately from production process data than from the object's data itself.

[0118] The data structures are either unencrypted or not fully encrypted. Rather, a trustee handles the data structures. The trustee protects the data structures and manages access to and manipulation of them. Therefore, the data structures do not form a blockchain where many parties can read each blockchain entry. The data structures handled by the trustee can be thought of as investments or as account history handled by a bank. Because of the existence of a trustee, there is no distributed ledger accessible to many parties (although the trustee may use such techniques internally to ensure data integrity).

[0119] Next, for illustrative purposes, exemplary embodiments of the present invention that demonstrate optional features will be described. Figure 1 shows a scenario to which the present invention is applied. On the right side of Figure 1 is product lifecycle 1, and on the left side is server 2 holding database 3.

[0120] In this symbolic product lifecycle 1, liquid A is supplied in barrel 8 and powder B is supplied in bag 9. These products A and B are industrially processed to become granular material C, which is then packed into box 10. A sample D is taken from granular material C. Granular material C is then formed into a final product such as a shoe sole E. After its product lifecycle, shoe sole E is discarded and recycled. Liquid A and powder B are primary products for granular material C. Granular material C is a secondary product for liquid A and powder B, and a primary product for shoe sole E. That is, the terms "primary product" and "secondary product" are relative terms indicating temporal order and / or preceding-following order.

[0121] Next, a method 100 for producing particulate matter C from liquid A and powder B is described. However, this description is primarily illustrative and therefore includes many optional steps. Furthermore, the set of steps shown is intended merely as a preferred example and not as a necessary constraint.

[0122] In the first step S1, access to database 3 is provided. Database 3 is configured to contain multiple data structures 4.

[0123] In this example, data structure 4 is associated with an identifiable quantity of product. Each data structure 4 has at least one data item 5. Preferably, each data item 5 has content 6 and a label 7 indicating the type of content. Each data structure 4 has one object identifier of its own. The object identifier is unique and is therefore configured to represent an identifiable quantity of product. The object identifier is held in one data item 5. It is possible for data structure 4 to hold one or more further object identifiers in other data items, for example as a reference to a primary product, but these one or more further object identifiers are not its own object identifier. Due to its own object identifier being single and unique, one identifiable quantity of product is fixed as the associated identifiable quantity.

[0124] The products in this example are liquid A, powder B, granular material C, sample D, and shoe sole E. The volume of each is determined by the barrel 8 of liquid A, the bag 9 of powder B, the box 10 of granular material C, the flask of sample D, and the shoe sole E itself.

[0125] In the next step S2, a feature rule set is configured for selecting the primary product. The feature rule set is configured to determine at least one feature value based on at least one record, and specifies at least one feature value determination rule that specifies at least one record applicable to the feature rule set. For example, a feature rule set is configured for selecting one barrel 8 of liquid A from many barrels 8. For example, a viscosity below a threshold is required, and the viscosity of liquid A is known to be affected by the highest temperature of a preceding process. In this exemplary case, a rule can be specified that defines the highest temperature for a time series of temperatures, and the temperature of the preceding process, indicated by the corresponding label 7, is set as the record to which the rule will be applied. The feature rule set can be pre-configured.

[0126] In the next step S3, at least one available identifiable quantity is selected. In the next step S4, a previously configured set of feature rules is provided. For example, it may be loaded into memory, delivered via email from another department, and / or retrieved from a database including database 3.

[0127] Next is process S5, and subprocesses S6, S7, and S8 are executed at least once, but may be executed recursively. First, in subprocess S6, one data structure 4 held by database 3 is accessed via database 3. In the next subprocess S7, at least one report held in the data item 5 of the accessed data structure 4', specified by the feature rule set, is read. Then, in subprocess S8, at least one feature value is determined by applying at least one read record, specified by the feature rule set, to at least one rule, specified by the feature rule set.

[0128] The accessed data structure 4 may hold further object identifiers, which indicate the primary product relative to an identifiable quantity of the (secondary) product indicated by its own object identifier in the accessed data structure 4. If the accessed data structure 4 holds such further object identifiers, the method preferably repeats the sub-step of S5 for each of such further object identifiers. Preferably, the additional step S7 does not yield additional feature values, but improves the accuracy for one or more feature values ​​determined in the first run of step S7.

[0129] Next, in step S9, at least one determined feature value is stored by setting data item 5 of data structure 4, and data structure 4 is associated with the identifiable quantity selected in step S3.

[0130] A preferred option is to implement a binning rule set in steps S2 and S4. That is, the feature value is simply an indicator of the bin. For example, if a temperature check reveals that the viscosity is within the desired range, the feature value could be one of the following simple examples: "Viscosity: Good", "Temperature below threshold", and / or a graphic symbol such as a green circle.

[0131] In the next step S10, each of its own object identifiers is added to a selection list, and if the pre-configured criteria match at least one feature value determined in S8, its own object identifier is stored in the data item 5 of the accessed data structure 4'.

[0132] Next, in step S11, each data structure 4' holding its own object identifier enumerated in the selection list is provided and, for example, made available and loaded. This step may include paying a fee to access or use the data structure 4.

[0133] For example, if there are two or more identifiable quantities available, an identifiable quantity of liquid A may be selected from all identifiable quantities associated with a selection list object identifier based on its lifespan and / or based on a comparison of lifespans. Thus, in step S12, a lifespan indicator showing the lifespan of liquid A is read from data structure 4'. Furthermore, in step S12, a report may be read from data structure 4', which includes at least one state value indicating the processing status of the process performed to obtain an identifiable quantity of liquid A in barrel 8.

[0134] In the next step S13, for example, the lifespan of liquid A may be determined. For example, the production date held by data item 5 of data structure 4' may be read. Then, in step S14, one of the identifiable quantities shown by the selection list is selected.

[0135] In the next step S11, an identifiable quantity of the primary product is provided. For example, a barrel 8 of liquid A is provided and delivered to a processing device 11, which may be, for example, a simple machine, but may also be any device in a processing plant and / or between them.

[0136] In another example, there is no selection process based on a feature rule set and years of use criteria. In this case, a barrel 8 containing an identifiable amount of liquid A is provided in step S15. A QR code 12 on the barrel 8 can then be scanned. This QR code 12 may hold an object identifier associated with the identifiable amount of liquid A in the barrel 8. Then, in step S11, a data structure 4' is made available. In another example without a database 3, the data structure 4' itself may be held within the QR code 12.

[0137] Next, step S15 is repeated for powder B in bag 9. Powder B does not have an associated data structure. Rather, powder B has a lot number printed on tag 13. Therefore, in the next step S16, the lot number is provided as a primary product lot identifier by reading tag 13.

[0138] In the next step, step S17, a data owner indicator is provided. For example, a data owner indicator is selected that indicates the company, i.e., legal entity, that owns the processing device 17.

[0139] In the next step S18, the process parameters of the processing device 11 may be adjusted based on the report held in the data structure 4' read in step S12.

[0140] In the next step S19, the primary products, which are liquid A and powder B, are processed into an identifiable amount of particulate matter C, or are processed to become an identifiable amount of particulate matter C. The processing is performed using or by the processing device 11.

[0141] Having identifiable quantities in a 1:1 ratio is efficient, but not essential. That is, for example, to obtain exactly one identifiable quantity of particulate material C, it is possible to use two or more barrels 8 of liquid A and less than one bag 9 of powder B.

[0142] During the processing step S19, for example, sub-steps S20 to S26 may be executed. In step S20, at least one report of processing status values ​​is generated. Preferably, each status variable or time series of status variables is reported separately, preferably one or more reports are generated. Each report is generated by the status reporting device 14. Each report includes at least one status value indicating the processing status during processing step S19.

[0143] In the next step S21, the processing device identifier is recorded and used to distinguish the processing device 11 from other processing devices.

[0144] In the next step S22, the status reporting device identifier is recorded. The status reporting device identifier is recorded in association with the report generated by each status reporting device. For example, in this case, there may be a data item labeled "Report 1" that holds the report from the first status reporting device 14, a data item labeled "Status Reporting Device 1" that holds the serial number of the first status reporting device 14, a data item labeled "Report 2" that holds the report from the second status reporting device 14, and a data item labeled "Status Reporting Device 2" that holds the serial number of the second status reporting device 14. Recording the status reporting device identifier for each recorded report is not mandatory but recommended.

[0145] In the next step S23, a standard deviation may be recorded for one or more of the recorded state values. The standard deviation indicates the deviation of the recorded state value from the target value. For example, if an exhaustive time series is recorded, some users or applications may be interested only in the aggregated value, while others may need the entire time series. Therefore, to save time later, the deviation is determined and recorded to function as an aggregated value.

[0146] In the next step S24, product characteristic values ​​are recorded. For example, if the producer of granular material C does not want to disclose internal knowledge, it is beneficial to record product characteristics following one or more state values ​​and / or other sources.

[0147] In the next step S25, a deviation value indicating the deviation of the product characteristic value can be recorded. Furthermore, during and / or at the end of the processing step, the time of processing or the time of completion of processing, or a timestamp, is recorded in step S26.

[0148] Next, the indicators to be stored in the new data structure 4 are determined. For example, in step S27, the shelf life indicators for the provided identifiable quantities of primary products A and B are determined. For example, the shelf life indicator for liquid A is determined based on the time read in step S12 and the time recorded in step S26.

[0149] In the next step S28, a unique object identifier is generated to indicate an identifiable amount of particulate matter C, and this identifiable amount is obtained by the above processing in processing step S19.

[0150] Next, in step S29, a new data structure 4 is generated. The data structure 4 represents the identifiable amount of particulate matter C obtained during the processing step S19 described above. In this case, step S29 is accompanied by sub-steps S30 to S41.

[0151] In step S30, the data item that holds the object identifier generated in step S28 is set to be the object identifier of this new data structure 4 itself, because this data item indicates the identifiable amount of particulate matter C represented by this data structure 4.

[0152] In the next step S31, a data item is set to hold one of the reports generated in step S20. Step S31 is preferably repeated for each report generated.

[0153] Next, in step S32, the lifespan indicator determined in S27 may be set in data item 5 of data structure 4, which is associated with an identifiable amount of particulate matter C linked to an object identifier representing an identifiable amount of primary product A. For example, data item 5 of data structure 4 may be labeled "Lifespan Indicator of Product A" and have the lifespan indicator as content 6.

[0154] In the next step S33, a data item is set that holds the status reporting device identifier generated in step S22. Preferably, step S33 is repeated for each status reporting device identifier.

[0155] In the next step S34, a data item is set to hold the primary product lot identifier provided in step S16. Preferably, step S34 is repeated for each primary product lot identifier.

[0156] In the next step S35, a data item is set that holds an object identifier indicating an identifiable quantity of primary product, in which case the primary product is liquid A selected in step S14. Step S35 is preferably repeated for each object identifier indicating an identifiable quantity of primary product. Alternatively, the object identifier may be obtained, for example, in step S10.

[0157] In the next step, S36, a data item is set to hold the processing device identifier recorded in step S21. If the processing in step S19 is performed on a series of processing devices, two or more processing device identifiers may be recorded and set.

[0158] In the next step, S37, a data item is set that holds the data owner indicator provided in step S17.

[0159] In the next step, S38, a data item is set that holds the production timestamp determined in step S26.

[0160] In the next step S39, a data item is set to hold the record of the standard deviation from step S23. If two or more standard deviations are recorded, it is preferable to repeat this step.

[0161] In the next step, S40, a data item is set to hold the product characteristic values ​​recorded in step S24. If two or more product characteristic values ​​are recorded, it is preferable to repeat this step.

[0162] In the next step, S41, a data item is set to hold the deviation value recorded in step S25 of the product characteristic value recorded in step S24. If two or more deviation values ​​of the product characteristic value are recorded, it is preferable to repeat this step.

[0163] In the next step S42, sample D is taken from an identifiable amount of granular material C obtained in step S19. In the next step S43, a test result is generated by testing at least one property of the granular material C. An exemplary method for generating the test result performed in this case includes performing steps S42 and S43, and in step S44, generating a unique object identifier indicating the test result and generating a data structure having at least two data items, one data item holding the object identifier indicating the test result, one optional data item holding the object identifier indicating the identifiable amount of product C from which the identifiable amount sample was taken, and the other data item holding the generated test result.

[0164] In other words, in step S44, a test result indicator is generated. Then, in step S45, method 100 may set a data item in data structure 4 that represents an identifiable amount of particulate matter C so as to hold the test result indicator generated in step S44. However, it is preferable that the data structure representing the test sample includes an object identifier for an identifiable amount of particulate matter C, or that data structure 4 includes a test result indicator that represents an identifiable amount of particulate matter C.

[0165] In the next step S46, the cryptographic representation of the data structure 4' associated with liquid A may be determined. This cryptographic representation is then set in the data item 5 of the data structure 4 in step S47. Thus, customers of granular material C can reliably reproduce the blockchain-type history and characteristics of the preceding product, which in this case is product A. This option is preferably combined with steps S11, S15, S34, and S35.

[0166] In the following steps S48, S49, and S50, steps S4, S8, and S9 are repeated. However, in this case, the feature values ​​are determined for the report generated in step S20 and / or during step S19. Preferably, the feature rule set is different in steps S4 to S9 and in steps S48 to S50. That is, these feature values ​​represent the characteristics of granular material C. This saves computational power in the future, which is beneficial when more than one request for feature values ​​is anticipated.

[0167] In the next step S51, at least one data item 5 of the data structure 4 is encrypted. This ensures the confidentiality of the data, which is not shared only with a limited number of parties. It is preferable to have different encryption and decryption key sets for different data items. In this way, access can be permitted only to selected parameters.

[0168] A preferred combination of steps is steps S48, S49, S50, and S51. This combination has the advantage of gradual confidentiality. For example, all parties have access to the feature values, but only a very small number of parties obtain the key for decryption.

[0169] In the next step S52, an identifiable amount of particulate material C obtained in step S19 is provided. Preferably, the identifiable amount is provided separately, which is why it is identifiable. Preferably, the identifiable amount is provided in an identifiable location. Preferably, the provision of the identifiable amount includes step S53 of packing and packaging the identifiable amount of particulate material C obtained from the process. In this case, the package is a box 10. Another preferred example of the package is a so-called octabine.

[0170] Next, in the following step S54, data item 5 of data structure 4, which holds a location identifier indicating a location, is set, where the identifiable quantity is provided in step S52 above.

[0171] In the next preferred step, the separated, identifiable amount of particulate material C obtained from step S19 is linked to a data structure 4 generated in step S29. This preferably includes step S56, in which the link object is attached to the box 10. In the example of Figure 1, step S56 has a sub-step S57, in which the link object, for example, another QR code 15, is printed on the box 10. The QR code 15 preferably contains its own object identifier for the identifiable amount of particulate material C contained in the box 10.

[0172] In the next step S58, an identifier device can also be attached to the secondary product. For example, if this method is performed for a process stage in which a shoe sole E is produced from granular material C, an RFID tag 16 may be implemented on the shoe sole E. The RFID tag 16 is an example of an identifier that shows its associated object identifier (in this case, of the shoe sole E). Thus, the properties of the shoe sole E can be downloaded by the recycling device 17 during the recycling of the shoe sole E.

[0173] In the next step S59, the cryptographic representation of data structure 4 is determined, and then in step 60, the data structure is signed. However, there is a way in which steps S59 and S60 are performed in the reverse order. Then, the cryptographic representation of the signed data structure 4 is set in data item 5 in step S61. Thus, it is possible to reliably attribute the contents 6 of data structure 4 to the signature.

[0174] Preferably, after signing, an identifiable amount of owner indicators is provided in step S62 and set in data item 5 in step S63. In most cases, for example, when granular material C is sold from a granular material producer to a shoe sole producer, the ownership of an identifiable amount of granular material C will change. Therefore, the change of ownership can be documented in a single instance, which is database 3.

[0175] It should be noted that, after the ownership change has been set for the associated data item, it is preferable that steps S46 and S47 be repeated to enhance reliability and trustworthiness.

[0176] Next, in step S64, a status indicator is generated. The status indicator shows the current state of the factors causing the variation of an identifiable amount of particulate material C. Then, in step S65, a data item 5 of the data structure 4 associated with the identifiable amount of particulate material C is set to hold the status indicator. The status indicator may indicate, for example, whether an identifiable amount of particulate material C can be purchased, whether particulate material C is still being produced, whether particulate material C still exists or has been used up, etc. In other words, the status indicator makes it possible to perform logistical tasks in addition to technical tasks using the same database 3. Thus, consistency is improved and data storage for redundant data can be reduced.

[0177] Method 100 then concludes with step S66, in which a data structure associated with liquid A is added to and / or updated in database 3, and step S67, in which a data structure associated with particulate matter C is added to and / or updated in database 3. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0178] 1. Product Lifecycle 2 servers 3 Databases 4 Data Structures 4' Data Structure 5 data items 6. Content of data items 7. Labels for data items 8 barrels 9 bags 10 boxes 11 Processing devices 12 QR codes 13 tags 14 Status reporting devices 15 QR code 16 RFID tags 17 Recycling Devices 100 ways A liquid B powder C Granular matter D Sample E Sole Provides access to the S1 database. Set up a feature rule set for selecting S2 primary products. S3 Select at least one quantity S4 provides a pre-configured set of feature rules. S5 recursive execution Accessing a single data structure via an S6 database Read at least one report held in an S7 data item. S8 Determine at least one feature value S9 Set a data item to hold the determined feature values. S10 Add your own object identifier to the picklist S11 Provides a data structure associated with the primary product. S12 Read from the data structure associated with the primary product. S13 Determine the lifespan for each identifiable quantity of primary product. S14 Select an identifiable quantity of primary products based on their years of use. S15 Provide an identifiable quantity of primary product. S16 Provides a primary product lot identifier. S17 provides data owner indicator. S18 Adjust process parameters S19 Process an identifiable quantity of primary products into an identifiable quantity of secondary products. Generate a report including S20 status values. S21 Record the processing device identifier. S22 Record the status reporting device identifier. S23 Record the deviation score of the recorded state value. S24 Record product characteristic values. S25 Record the deviation values ​​of the recorded product characteristics. S26 Determine the production timestamp. S27 Determine the lifespan indicator of an identifiable quantity of primary products. S28 Generate a unique object identifier S29 Generate a new data structure S30 Set a data field that holds its own object identifier. Configure the data items that will hold the S31 report. S32 Set a data item to hold an identifiable quantity of the primary product's years of use indicator. S33 Set a data item to hold the status reporting device identifier. S34 Set a data item to hold the primary product lot indicator. S35 Set a data item that holds an object identifier that indicates an identifiable quantity of primary product. S36 Set a data item to hold the processing device identifier. S37 Set a data item that holds the data owner indicator. S38 Set a data item to hold the production timestamp. S39 Set a data item to hold the deviation score of the recorded state value. S40 Set data items to hold product characteristic values. S41 Set a data item to store the deviation values ​​of recorded product characteristic values. S42 Collect a sample. S43 Generate test results S44 Generate test result indicator S45 Set the data item that holds the test result indicator. S46 Determine the cryptographic representation of data structures associated with primary products. S47 Set a data item that holds the encrypted representation of the data structure associated with the primary product. S48 Provides a feature rule set S49 Determine at least one feature value. S50 Set data items to hold feature values. S51 Encrypt at least one data item. S52 Provide an identifiable quantity separately in an identifiable location. S53 Pack an identifiable quantity into the package. S54 Set a data item to hold a location identifier. S55 Link isolated, identifiable quantities to the generated data structure. S56 Attach the link object to the package. S57 Print linked objects onto the package. S58 Attaching an identifier device to a secondary product S59 Determine the cryptographic representation of the data structure. Sign the S60 data structure. S61 Set a data item to hold the cipher representation of the signed data structure. S62 Provides an identifiable amount of owner indicator. S63 Set a data item that holds an identifiable amount of owner indicators. Generate S64 status indicator Set the data item that holds the S65 status indicator. S66 Add data structures associated with primary products to the database. S67 Add data structures associated with secondary products to the database.

Claims

1. A method (100) for processing at least one primary product (A, B) into at least one secondary product (C), the method comprising: a step (S15) of providing at least one primary product (A, B); a step (S1) of providing access to a database (3) configured to include a plurality of data structures (4, 4'); a step (S19) of processing the at least one primary product (A, B) into an identifiable quantity of secondary product (C) by a processing device (11); a step (S20) of generating a report by a status reporting device (14) associated with the processing device (11) including at least one status value indicating the processing status during the processing step (S19); a step (S28) of generating a unique object identifier indicating the identifiable quantity obtained by the processing during the processing step (S19); and at least two data items (5), of which one data item (5) holds the object identifier and the other A method (100) comprising: a step (S29) of generating a data structure (4) having at least two data items (5) that hold the generated report; a step (S64) of generating a state indicator that shows the current state of the variable factors of the identifiable quantity indicated by the object identifier, wherein the current state shows at least one state selected from the group consisting of expected production date, storage location, ownership, reservation, intended deployment, intended usage, percentage remaining, actual deployment, and price; a step (S65) of setting data items of the data structure associated with the secondary product (C) to hold the state indicator; a step (S67) of adding the data structure associated with the identifiable quantity of the secondary product (C) to the database (3); and a step (S52) of providing the identifiable quantity obtained by the processing in the processing step (S19).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the identifiable quantities are provided separately during the providing step (S52), and the method includes the step (S55) of linking the separate identifiable quantities to the generated data structure (4).

3. The method according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: providing an amount of at least one identifiable amount of primary product (A, B) (S15); providing a data structure (4') associated with the identifiable amount of at least one identifiable amount of primary product (A) (4), wherein the data structure (4') includes one data item (5) holding an object identifier indicating the identifiable amount of primary product (A) and another data item (5) holding a report including at least one status value indicating the processing status of a process performed while acquiring the identifiable amount of primary product (A) indicated by the object identifier; setting a data item (5) of the data structure associated with the identifiable amount of secondary product (C) to hold the object identifier indicating the identifiable amount of primary product (A) (S35); and adding the data structure (4) associated with the identifiable amount of primary product (C) to the database (3) (S66).

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

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of: providing access to a database (3) comprising a database (3) configured to include a plurality of data structures (4, 4'), each of the database (3) having at least two data items (5), the data items (5) being configured to provide access to the data structures (4, 4') so that they can be added to the accessed data structures (4, 4'), so that they can be modified in the accessed data structures (4, 4'), and so that they can be removed from the accessed data structures (4, 4'); and adding to the database (3) a data structure (4) associated with the identifiable amount of the secondary product (C) (S67).

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

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

8. A method (100) for determining an identifiable quantity of product (A) feature values, the method comprising: step (S4) providing a pre-configured feature rule set, specifying at least one feature value determination rule configured to determine at least one feature value based on at least one record, and specifying at least one record applicable to the feature rule set; and step (S1) providing access to a database configured to include a plurality of data structures (4, 4'), each data structure (4, 2') comprising at least two data items (4), of which one data item (5) holds its own object identifier indicating the quantity of products (A, C), and the other data item (5) holds a report including at least one state value, preferably a time series of state values, indicating the processing status of a process (S19), the process A method (100) comprising: step (S1) which is performed while obtaining the quantity of the product indicated by its own object identifier; step (S6) which accesses a data structure (4) held by the database (3) via the database; step (S7) which reads at least one report held in a data item (5) of the accessed data structure (4) as specified by the feature rule set; step (S8) which determines at least one feature value by applying the read at least one record specified by the feature rule set to at least one rule specified by the feature rule set; and step (S9) which sets the data item (5) of the accessed data structure (4) to hold the determined at least one feature value.

9. A method (100) for determining an identifiable quantity of feature values ​​for product (A), the method comprising: step (S4) providing a pre-configured feature rule set, the pre-configured feature rule set specifying at least one feature value determination rule configured to determine at least one feature value based on at least one record, specifying at least one record applicable to the feature rule set, the pre-configured feature rule set comprising at least two value ranges for each of the specified records, the value ranges differing by at least one boundary value, the determined feature value representing a bin defined by one of the value ranges; and step (S1) providing access to a database configured to include a plurality of data structures (4, 4'), each data structure (4, 2') comprising at least one data item (4), of which one data item (5) represents products (A, C). A method (100) comprising: step (S1) holding its own object identifier indicating a quantity, and another data item (5) holding a report including at least one state value, preferably a time series of state values, indicating the processing state of a process (S19), and the process being one that was previously performed while acquiring the quantity of the product indicated by its own object identifier; step (S6) accessing a data structure (4) held by the database (3) via the database; step (S7) reading at least one report held in the data item (5) of the accessed data structure (4) as specified by the feature rule set; and step (S8) determining at least one feature value by applying at least one read record as specified by the feature rule set to at least one rule specified by the feature rule set.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the method is characterized in that a data item (5) of the data structure (4) holds an object identifier that indicates an identifiable quantity of primary product (A), i.e., is primary to the identifiable quantity of secondary product (C) indicated by its own object identifier, the method further comprises, preferably recursively, the following steps: accessing the data structure (A) via the database (3) (S6), wherein the data item (5) of the data structure holds its own object identifier that matches the object identifier that indicates the identifiable quantity of primary product (A); and reading at least one report held in the data item (5) of the accessed data structure (4), which is specified by the feature rule set, wherein the at least one feature value is also determined by applying the read at least one record to at least one rule specified by the feature rule set.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the method includes the step (S10) of adding its own object identifier held in the data item (5) of the accessed data structure (4, 4') to a selection list if the pre-set criteria match the determined at least one feature value.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the object identifier of the accessed data structure (4, 4') is added to the selection list only if a pre-set criterion matches each of the determined feature values.

13. A method (100) for producing at least one secondary product (C) using a processing device (11), comprising: a step (S2) of setting a feature rule set for selecting a primary product to be processed; a step (S3) of selecting at least one identifiable quantity of the primary product by performing a method (100) for determining the feature values ​​of an identifiable quantity of a product according to any one of claims 8 to 12, based on a set requirements list; and a step (S19) of processing the selected identifiable quantity or at least one identifiable quantity of the primary product into the at least one identifiable quantity of the secondary product (C).

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary products (A, B) are chemical products or chemical raw materials, and the secondary product (C) is a chemical product.

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

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