MES Workflow Control Through Plugin-Based Equipment Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) lack a direct connection between production logics and equipment objects, failing to characterize equipment with runtime capabilities and becoming cumbersome in complex scenarios, where workflows and rules are not organized according to equipment structure.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of 'plugins' as complex entities that expand equipment object characteristics, providing an interface with configuration, functionality, and event elements, allowing equipment objects to be designed with specific capabilities and functionalities, emulating an Object-Oriented Programming paradigm, and enabling unified plant design and logic definition models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If workflows and rules are created as distinct entities separate from equipment structure, then flexibility in logic definition is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of organization increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in logic definitionVSAvoidcomplexity of workflow organization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges workflows and rules with equipment structure by organizing them hierarchically within equipment objects. Workflows are attached to specific equipment objects and their steps can reference equipment properties and call equipment methods, creating an integrated model where logic and equipment structure coexist rather than being separate entities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments workflows into hierarchical levels (equipment level, workflow level, step level) that can be independently configured and managed. This segmentation allows complex production logics to be broken down into manageable components while maintaining organization through the equipment structure hierarchy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If equipment objects are designed with runtime capabilities and specific functionalities, then adaptability to manufacturing scenarios is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment capability characterizationVSAvoidcomplexity of equipment object structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements equipment objects as universal entities that can perform multiple functions through methods and properties. A single equipment object can have various methods (e.g., start, stop, reset) and properties that enable it to participate in different workflows and production scenarios without requiring separate objects for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows equipment objects to be pre-configured with methods, properties, and associated workflows during system design. This preliminary configuration enables runtime capabilities to be established in advance, reducing the need for complex runtime decisions and simplifying the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If plugins are introduced to expand equipment object characteristics, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment object expandabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of plugin interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments equipment object functionality into core objects and optional plugins. Plugins are independent modules that can be attached to equipment objects to add specific capabilities (e.g., communication protocols, control functions). This segmentation allows the base equipment object to remain simple while enabling extensive customization through optional plugin attachments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11454955B2Method and system for controlling a manufacturing plant with a manufacturing execution system

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

A manufacturing plant with an MES system is controlled through the execution of a given workflow. a) A plant designer application models a representation of the manufacturing plant through a set of equipment objects and through a workflow, b) a complex entity (plugin) is provided for expanding the characteristics of an equipment object; the plugin exposing an interface with a configuration, a set of property elements, a set of functionality elements; c) at engineering time, designing a set of plugins usable by the set of equipment objects; d) at engineering time, for at least one equipment object, associating at least one plugin; e) defining, through the plant designer, a given workflow according to given customer requirements, the workflow including an interaction with an element of a plugin associated with an equipment object; f) at runtime, executing the given workflow and performing the interaction with the element of the plugin.