A smartwatch-integrated system for optimal break scheduling in manufacturing

Abstract

The invention relates to a smartwatch system designed for the optimal planning of break times for personnel in production environments, based on the data provided by the production processes currently being monitored in the factory, which informs the personnel about the start and end times of breaks and alerts them with audible and vibrating notifications.

Description

[0001] A SMARTWATCH-INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR OPTIMAL BREAK SCHEDULING IN MANUFACTURING

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a smartwatch system designed for the optimal planning of break times for personnel in production environments, based on the data provided by the production processes currently being monitored in the factory, which informs the personnel about the start and end times of breaks and alerts them with audible and vibrating notifications.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In the prior art, personnel have either a fixed break time or a flexible break time independent of the operation of the machine. It has been observed that operators or personnel performing trackable processes in factories plan their tasks based on break times approaching, either delaying or finishing work early to not lose time during breaks as per the machine's ongoing operations. In addition to optimal break planning, the invention ensures that personnel perform their tasks correctly and efficiently without losing time during breaks.

[0006] OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One objective of the invention is to ensure the determination of the optimal break start time, considering the maximum efficiency of the machine used by the operator in the production area, through an algorithm developed within the invention. As a result, the daily production capacity is maximized. Additionally, ensuring that personnel can fully utilize their break time is also considered, providing advantage for the personnel as well.

[0008] Another objective of the invention is to control the maximum deviation of personnel's break times using adjustable parameters planned within the algorithm. It is possible to adjust the frequency of early or late breaks in consecutive breaks, and similar additional features can be provided. These features can also be selected by personnel via the smartwatch, which forms the core of the system.

[0009] Another objective of the invention is to make it even more effective with the workforce scheduling algorithms included in the invention. Personnel can make a selection via the smartwatch for overtime approval for that day, ensuring that parts produced at the end of the day can leave the machine without any time loss, and enabling personnel to be compensated for any additional time spent here if applicable.

[0010] In current practices, the operator can be notified of break time using the machine's interface. However, in such a scenario, there will be a deficiency in personalization in terms of adjustable parameters by the operator, and there will be no chance for the operator to receive a notification about the return time to their workplace. In the system subject to our invention, through the application within the smartwatch integrated into the system, the operator is informed about the approaching end of the break and the exact end time, and a return-to-work alarm is provided at the end of the break. Achieving this technical effectiveness is not possible with current practices, i.e., with current machine interfaces.

[0011] LIST OF FIGURES

[0012] Figure 1. Scenario with Central Processing Unit

[0013] Figure 2. Scenario for production units already integrated with an API-supported central monitoring unit, involving only a smartwatch

[0014] Figure 3. Flow chart of the scenario with Central Processing Unit

[0015] Figure 4. Flow chart of the scenario for production units already integrated with an API-supported central monitoring unit, involving only a smartwatch

[0016] Corresponding numbers for the figures:

[0017] 1 . Machines in manufacturing environments capable of electronically transferring production data.

[0018] 2. Central monitoring units actively used in factories for production tracking.

[0019] 3. Central processing unit used for orchestration of clocks and flexible break planning algorithms.

[0020] 4. Smartwatches used in scenarios with a central processing unit, transmitting break times and messages without performing calculations.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The invention includes;

[0023] - Software comprising flexible break planning, data analysis and algorithms, integration, and employee notification functions - At least one smartwatch (4) with notification capabilities via notification devices and a wireless communication protocol. The software is located within a central processing unit (3), which can be positioned within any electronic device or smartwatch (4) capable of hosting software and a wireless communication protocol.

[0024] The central processing unit (3) in which the data from all system components, including every type of machine (1 ) in the working zone, is processed and stored, has the first function of flexible break planning, which plans the break times and start times of employees flexibly. In summary, by processing the time information necessary for production taken from a machine (1 ) within the production system, it compares this with the remaining break time of the employee assigned to the machine (1 ). If it falls within the intervals defined for the central processing unit (3), it starts the production even if the employee would normally not have enough time to complete it. It then adds the time taken for production to the employee's break time and delays the employee's break start and return times by the duration of the production. The central processing unit (3) includes a wireless communication protocol that facilitates data exchange with the machines (1).

[0025] The data analysis and algorithm function is a software component housed in the processor of the central processing unit (3) or the smart watch (4). It processes the production times received from the machines (1 ) to generate data for determining break times and planning notifications.

[0026] The integration function aims to receive data from the existing monitoring units (2) in the working area and provide data to this system. Thus, even if there is no central processing unit currently in the working area where the system subject to the invention will be installed, the technical effects can be demonstrated by using the available central processing unit (3) included in the invention.

[0027] The smart watches (4) included in the system subject to the invention are hardware devices that run software with an electronic board and processor inside. They visually display notifications on a connected screen as notification equipment and also include vibration and sound units.

[0028] In the current digitalization efforts in manufacturing facilities, it is possible for manufacturers to monitor their machines (1 ). It is known that all machines (1 ) broadcast to a monitoring station, where the data is presented in a meaningful display. This data is provided using universal methods to allow access by different platforms. To support many of these methods, the central processing unit can obtain data from different types of databases with given address and port information, from API (application programming interface) providers, or directly from the machines (1) via bus infrastructure. The central processing unit (3), controlled via a web interface, is used not only for data collection but also for parameter inputs for the smart watches (4). These parameters control the upper and lower limits of sequential occurrence of early and late exits, the grouping of employees (ensuring a certain number of employees exit during each time interval), the identification of employees to be given fixed breaks, and settings for overtime adjustments. For example, if an employee accepts late exits, the smart watch (4) also flexibly controls the end-of-shift exit time, giving approval to leave after finishing the last process of the machine (1). This way, overtime and shortfall working hours of the employee are identified, and excess working hours are recorded in a shared database accessible by accounting units during payroll preparation, based on weekly working hours. Additionally, the central processing unit (3) stores all entry and exit information regarding lunch breaks in the database.

[0029] Wireless network technology is used to establish communication between the smart watches (4) and the central processing unit (3). However, leveraging the advantage of smart watches (4) having wireless network technology, it is sometimes possible to set up the system without the central processing unit (3). In such cases, the smart watches (4) can connect to the existing wireless network in the production environment. Depending on the environment used, algorithms are present either within the smart watch (4) or within the central processing unit (3).

[0030] If the algorithm is stored in the smart watch (4), the process information of the production machines (1 ) needs to be accessible via an API. Through the connection provided to the IP address of the smart watch over the wireless network, you enter the control panel where the settings section is located, and enter the API address.

[0031] If the algorithm is stored in the central processing unit (3), as mentioned earlier, database support is provided for process tracking. For each smart watch (4), parameter history, break timings, and historical break information can be monitored using the watch identifier. Overtime planning can also be done in applications that involve the central processing unit (3).

[0032] A scenario is shared in Figure 1 where orchestration between a central processing unit (3) and smart watches (4) is provided, with all watches being centrally controlled. This scenario is more ideal for large facilities as it offers more features in terms of integration.

[0033] In Figure 2, a scenario is presented where smart watches (4) operate independently. In this scenario, it is assumed that machines (1 ) share information across the factory network via API using a universal method, providing a solution without a central processing unit (3). This is considered a good solution for enterprises with a modern machine park, despite its lower capacity.

[0034] Both in the central processing unit and in API-supported smart watch (4) models, the following features are provided through software:

[0035] • Display of the start and end times of ongoing production on the current machine (1)

[0036] • Approximate break time estimation based on the available information for the day

[0037] • Sharing of exact break time during the last production before the break

[0038] • Parametric adjustment of the frequency of early or late breaks on following days

[0039] • Option for grouped employees to take breaks simultaneously based on an approximate value in models containing the central processing unit (3)

[0040] • Adjustment of lower and upper limits for break start times, both on a personnel and production site basis

[0041] Figure 3 and Figure 4 shows the working principle of flexible break planning system. Figure 3 illustrates the working principle of the flexible break planning system with a central processing unit (3), while Figure 4 shows a scenario without a central processing unit (3). Accordingly, the system subject to the invention first communicates with the existing production system to ensure production tracking. This step is a mandatory process to ensure that all planning is done according to production. Thus, remaining production time information is obtained for each machine (1 ) existing in the facility. This enables determination of the remaining time for each employee before breaks and end-of-shift, preventing the employee from taking a break or ending the shift before completing production within the limits defined in the system. For example, let's assume the production time on a machine (1 ) in the facility is 40 minutes. And let's say the employee has 30 minutes left for their break. Under normal circumstances in the known technique, the employee does not start production because they know the production time is 40 minutes, causing the facility to fall behind in production. However, in the system subject to the invention, to prevent wasting the remaining 30 minutes, production is started. After 40 minutes, the employee is notified via a notification function that they can take their break, and the return time is calculated considering the 10 minutes that elapsed during this period. This way, the employee is notified 10 minutes late for their return. This prevents the business from falling behind due to a 10-minute change in production time. This planning can be entirely carried out as planned by the business management. For example, using the interface, it can be ensured that this planning is within a specific time interval. Thus, it can be planned that break times will not be before 11 :40 or after 12:20 under any circumstances. Alternatively, it can be configured to allow breaks only when at least five employees' breaks overlap, preventing individual breaks. Thus, the system plans times for at least five employees with small time differences and connects these small time differences to give a break alert to all five employees at the same time. All these numbers are given for sampling purposes, and planning can be done as desired through the interface. In addition, an overtime request can be made by the employee using the smart watch interface. In such a case, the overtime request is forwarded to the central management, and after approval by management, the overtime hours requested by the employee are included in the calculated production time for that day. This ensures that even if the employee has only 30 minutes left for their last production, they can start the 40-minute production process because their overtime request has been accepted. The extra 10 minutes to be worked are processed in the database as overtime for the employee. Under normal circumstances, the employee would not have started the production process knowing they have 30 minutes left and the production takes 40 minutes. The system according to the invention prevents this and ensures that the business does not incur production deficits.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A system for flexible break planning in production environments characterized by comprising;- A central processing unit capable of running software and including a wireless communication protocol, an electronic device, and / or a screen for visual notifications to employees, vibration and sound units for auditory notifications, and at least one smartwatch positioned within any of these systems, processing, storing, and controlling data from all system elements, including all types of machines (1 ) used in production,- A software within the central processing unit for flexible break scheduling, data analysis and algorithms, integration, and employee notification functions.

2. The system for flexible break planning in production environments according to Claim 1 characterized by comprising the central processing unit further comprises a web interface and a database.

3. The system for flexible break planning in production environments according to Claim 2 characterized by comprising the central processing unit further comprises upper limits for consecutive early and late departures, grouping of employees (a certain number of employees leaving each hour), determination of employees to whom a fixed break will be applied, overtime settings and a web interface where regulations can be checked and related parameter entries can be made.

4. The system for flexible break planning in production environments according to any of the above claims characterized by comprising the central processing unit further comprising a software with integration functions capable of receiving data from different types of databases with specified address and port information, API providers, or directly from machines via a bus infrastructure.

5. The system for flexible break planning in production environments according to any of the above claims characterized by comprising the central processing unit that further comprising a software that includes a flexible break planning function that adds the break time to the time it takes for the employee to take a break and delays the employee's time to go on break and return by this elapsedtime by processing the time information required for production received from a machine within the production system, comparing it with the time remaining for the break of the employee working on the machine, and if it remains within the intervals defined to the central processing unit, the employee starts the production even though the employee on duty will not have enough time to carry out the production under normal conditions, and the employee completes the production.

6. The system for flexible break planning in production environments according to Claim 5 characterized by comprising the central processing unit further comprising a software with a flexible break planning function ensuring if a worker needs to stay for overtime due to flexible break planning, the resulting overtime duration is recorded in the database.

7. The system for flexible break planning in production environments according to Claim 1 characterized by comprising a smart watch with the ability to track parameters, break timings, and historical break information, identified by a unique watch ID.

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