Batch Recipe Runtime Inputs for Flexible Equipment Arbitration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing batch execution environments in process control systems lack flexibility and efficiency, particularly in handling dynamic operating conditions and equipment arbitration, which complicates the production of complex products and fails to meet economic and regulatory demands such as those imposed by the Process Analytic Technology (PAT) initiative.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a batch execution environment that allows dynamic input parameters and predefined command sets, enabling recipes to reference external values and adjust during runtime, and supports equipment arbitration and selection at various levels of recipe logic, reducing the need for manual operation and improving flexibility and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If batch execution environments use fixed recipes with predefined parameters, then system stability and ease of operation are improved, but adaptability to dynamic operating conditions and regulatory requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic input parameters that allow recipes to reference external values and adjust during runtime. This enables the batch execution environment to adapt to changing operating conditions while maintaining a structured recipe framework, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows parameters within recipes to be changed dynamically during execution based on external inputs. This enables the same recipe structure to handle multiple product variations and regulatory requirements without requiring complete recipe redesign, thus improving adaptability while preserving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If batch execution environments support complex equipment arbitration and dynamic parameter adjustments, then adaptability and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the recipe execution engine and external systems. This intermediary handles dynamic parameter resolution and equipment arbitration, allowing the core recipe system to remain simple while supporting complex adaptive behaviors through standardized interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is required for equipment selection and parameter input, then ease of operation for complex decisions is improved, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic equipment selection and parameter resolution based on dynamic inputs. The batch execution environment autonomously resolves equipment arbitration and selects appropriate parameters without requiring manual operator intervention, thereby improving productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating a product recipe for execution by a batch process in an automated manufacturing environment, such the product recipe is associated with a plurality of actions, a set of transitions, and a set of parameters, and such that the plurality of actions define a plurality of logical levels including a phase level at which the batch process interacts with equipment, includes receiving a procedure definition specifying the plurality of actions, receiving a transaction definition specifying the set of transitions so that each one in the set of transitions is associated with two or more of the plurality of actions, and receiving the set of parameters. Receiving the set of parameters includes receiving at least one dynamic input parameter that resolves to a value without obtaining the value from the product recipe or an operator prompt associated at the phase level of the product recipe.