Ontology-Based Process Checking for Production Schedule Feasibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to reliably determine whether a technical process can be implemented by a cyber-physical production system, particularly in ensuring the necessary functionalities and correct sequence of production acts, and optimizing production and transport processes within the system.

Innovation Solution

A method using ontologies and constraint satisfaction problems to dynamically compare the capabilities required for a technical process with those provided by the system, employing symbolic and sub-symbolic reasoning to find optimized solutions for production and transport within the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing checking methods are used to determine whether a technical process can be implemented by a cyber-physical production system, then the checking process is simplified, but the reliability and completeness of the check deteriorates because existing methods fail to ensure necessary functionalities and correct sequence of production acts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of checking methodVSAvoidcomplexity of checking method

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The checking method is segmented into distinct modules: a constraint model generator that creates constraints from system specifications, a schedule generator that produces production schedules, and a verification module that checks schedule validity. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The method performs preliminary generation of all possible production schedules before verification, filtering out invalid schedules in advance. This preliminary action ensures that only feasible schedules meeting all functional and sequencing requirements proceed to final verification, improving reliability while managing complexity through early elimination of invalid options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If optimized production schedules are generated to minimize production time and resource input, then productivity improves, but the complexity of the checking and optimization process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of optimization process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optimization process dynamically adjusts production schedules based on real-time constraints and objectives such as minimizing production time or resource input. The system can switch between different optimization criteria and adapt to changing conditions, improving productivity while managing complexity through dynamic rather than static optimization approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The method changes optimization parameters such as production time, resource allocation, and transport scheduling to achieve optimal productivity. By systematically varying these parameters and evaluating results against constraints, the system improves production efficiency without requiring overly complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If transport times and supply times are optimized to meet all production conditions, then the reliability of process implementation improves, but the complexity of coordinating multiple units increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess implementation reliabilityVSAvoidcoordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The checking method incorporates feedback loops that verify transport times and supply times against production requirements. The system continuously monitors whether scheduled transport and supply operations meet the constraints, providing feedback that ensures reliable process implementation while automating the coordination complexity through systematic verification rather than manual management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11016474B2Checking method, device, and computer program product

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method for checking whether and/or how a technical process may be carried out using a technical system with two or more units having technical capabilities that are potentially relevant to the technical process. At least one ontology is used which describes the technical system and the technical process, and a constraint satisfaction problem is generated using the at least one ontology. In the method, solutions are found for the constraint satisfaction problem. The solutions may be stored or output.