Obtaining of Packaging Plant Status Data

Abstract

A method, server device, and system obtaining packaging plant status data includes a data input interface which obtains a first instance of a packaging plant data switch, wherein the first packaging plant status data represent at least one first status value of a packaging plant. At least one first status value represented by the first packaging plant status data is stored in a persistent memory by a data storage interface. The first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switch is notified by the first instance that the first packaging plant status data representing at least the first status value have been obtained. Processing of the first packaging plant status data and/or of the first status value by the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switch is carried out in response to the notifying.

Claims

1. A method comprising: obtaining of first packaging plant status data by a data input interface of a first instance of a packaging plant data switch, wherein the first packaging plant status data represent at least one first status value of a packaging plant; storing or causing of storing of the at least one first status value represented by the first packaging plant status data in a persistent memory by a data storage interface of the first instance of the packaging plant data switch; notifying or causing of notifying of the first instance and of each further instance of the packaging plant data switch by the first instance that the first packaging plant status data representing at least the first status value have been obtained; processing of at least one of the first packaging plant status data or the first status value by the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switch in response to the notifying; wherein the packaging plant data switch is provided by one or more server devices or by one or more virtual servers; and wherein the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switch in each case run on different server devices or virtual servers.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the processing of at least one of the first packaging plant status data the at least one first status value by the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switching system comprises: storing causing of storing of the status value in a cache memory of the respective instance of the packaging plant data switch.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switching system comprises a respective cache memory.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the processing of at least one of the first packaging plant status data the first status value by the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switch comprises: checking whether one or more components or applications of the packaging plant have subscribed to the first status value with the respective instance of the packaging plant data switching system; and notifying of the components or applications of the packaging plant which have subscribed to the first status value by the respective instance of the packaging plant data switch.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the notifying by the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switch system takes place through a message bus.

6. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprising: obtaining, by the data storage interface, of a storage confirmation notification that the at least one first status value represented by the first packaging plant status data has been stored in the persistent memory, wherein the notifying causing of notifying of the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switch by the first instance only takes place if the storage confirmation notification has been obtained previously.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the persistent memory is configured for permanently storing current and historical status values of the packaging plant.

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first status value of the packaging plant represents a first measured value captured by a sensor of the packaging plant.

11. The method according to claim 10, the method further comprising: capturing of at least the first measured value by a sensor of the packaging plant; and communicating causing of communicating of the first packaging plant status data to the data input interface of the first instance of the packaging plant data switch.

12. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium in which a computer program is stored, the computer program comprising program instructions which cause a processor to perform and or control: obtaining of first packaging plant status data by a data input interface of a first instance of a packaging plant data switch, wherein the first packaging plant status data represent at least one first status value of a packaging plant; storing or causing of storing of the at least one first status value represented by the first packaging plant status data in a persistent memory by a data storage interface of the first instance of the packaging plant data switch; notifying or causing of notifying of the first instance and of each further instance of the packaging plant data switch by the first instance that the first packaging plant status data representing at least the first status value hove been obtained; processing of at least one of the first packaging plant status data or the first status value by the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switch in response to the notifying; wherein the packaging plant data switch is provided by one or more server devices or by one or more virtual servers: and wherein the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switch in each case run on different server devices or virtual servers.

13. A server device or a server system comprising multiple server devices the server device or server system comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to. with the at least one processor, cause the server device or server system to perform or control: obtaining of first packaging plant status data by a data input interface of a first instance of a packaging plant data switch, wherein the first packaging plant status data represent at least one first status value of a packaging plant: storing or causing of storing of the at least one first status value represented by the first packaging plant status data in a persistent memory by a data storage interface of the first instance of the packaging plant data switch; notifying or causing of notifying of the first instance and of each further instance of the packaging plant data switch by the first instance that the first packaging plant status data representing at least the first status value have been obtained: processing of at least one of the first packaging plant status data or the first status value by the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switch in response to the notifying; wherein the packaging plant data switch is provided by the server device or the server system; and wherein the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switch in each case run on different server devices.

14. A system, comprising: a server device or a server system according to claim 13; and a packaging plant.

15. The server device or server system according to claim 13, wherein the processing of at least one of the first packaging plant status data or the at least one first status value by the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switching system comprises: storing or causing of storing of the status value in a cache memory of the respective in-stance of the packaging plant data switch.

16. The server device or server system according to claim 15, wherein the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switching system comprises a respective cache memory.

17. The server device or server system according to claim 13, wherein the processing of at least one of the first packaging plant status data or the first status value by the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switch comprises: checking whether one or more components or applications of the packaging plant have subscribed to the first status value with the respective instance of the packaging plant data switching system; and notifying of the components or applications of the packaging plant which have subscribed to the first status value by the respective instance of the packaging plant data switch.

18. The server device or server system according to claim 13, wherein the notifying by the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switch system takes place through a message bus.

19. The server device or server system according to claim 13, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the server device or server system to perform or control: obtaining, by the data storage interface, of a storage confirmation notification that the at least one first status value represented by the first packaging plant status data has been stored in the persistent memory, wherein the notifying or causing of notifying of the first instance and each further instance of the packaging plant data switch by the first instance only takes place if the storage confirmation notification has been obtained previously.

20. The server device or server system according to claim 13, wherein the persistent memory is configured for permanently storing current and historical status values of the packaging plant.

21. The server device or server system according to claim 13, wherein the at least one first status value of the packaging plant represents a first measured value captured by a sensor of the packaging plant.

22. The server device or server system according to claim 21, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the server device or server system to perform or control: capturing of at least the first measured value by a sensor of the packaging plant; and communicating or causing of communicating of the first packaging plant status data to the data input interface of the first instance of the packaging plant data switch.

Description

IN THE DRAWINGS

[0074] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention;

[0075] FIGS. 2a-2b show a flow chart and optional steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention;

[0076] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a server device according to the invention; and

[0077] FIG. 4 shows exemplary embodiments of storage media.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A NUMBER OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0078] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1 according to the invention. The system 1 comprises a first server device 10, an optional second server device 20, an optional persistent memory 30, an optional message bus 40 as well as a packaging plant 50 with the exemplary components 51 and 52.

[0079] For example, the first server device 10 and the second server device 20 form a server system according to the invention. The first server device 10 provides a first instance 100 of a packaging plant data switch, and the second server device 20 provides a further instance 200 of the packaging plant data switch. For example, a corresponding computer program (for example the computer program according to the invention) runs on each of the server devices 10 and 20 which causes the respective server device 10 or 20 to provide the instance 100 or 200 of the packaging plant data switch. The computer program can for example be stored in a memory of the server device 10 and/or 20 and can comprise corresponding program instructions which are executed by a processor of the server devices 10 and/or 20 and cause the server device 10 and/or 20 to provide the instance 100 or 200 of the packaging plant data switch and/or perform the steps of the method according to the invention (for example the steps shown in the flow chart 300 in FIG. 2). It should be understood that the system 1 and/or the server system can, in addition to the server devices 10 and 20, also comprise further server devices which in each case provide a further instance of the packaging plant data switch.

[0080] For example, the packaging plant 50 is a beverages filling plant. Accordingly, the components 51 and 52 can in each case be a filling machine, an applicator for attaching closures and/or drinking straws, a switch point, a case packer and/or a cartoner. It should be understood that the packaging plant 50 can comprise further components (for example more of the above components). Different applications can run on these components (for example in the form of a computer program executed by a processor of this component) which, inter alia, provide packaging plant status data for processing by other components and/or applications of the packaging plant.

[0081] The packaging plant status data contain for example one or more status values of the packaging plant 50 and/or one or more representations of one or more status values of the packaging plant 50. In addition, the packaging plant status data can for example also contain metadata which describe the packaging plant status data and/or the status values and/or representation of status values contained therein. Examples of such metadata include for example an origin of the packaging plant status data and/or of the status value, a destination of the packaging plant status data and/or of the status value and/or a unit of the status value and/or a status to which the status value relates.

[0082] A status value of a packaging plant should for example be understood to be a value characteristic of a current and/or a past status of the packaging plant and/or a component of the packaging plant. Examples of such a status value are for example a measured value (for example a temperature value) captured by a sensor of the packaging plant and/or a component of the packaging plant (for example a temperature sensor) and/or a characteristic value of the packaging plant and/or a component of the packaging plant, for example a plant and/or component output (for example packagings/hour) and/or an overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

[0083] As shown in FIG. 1 by way of example for the instances 100 and 200 of the packaging plant data switch, each instance of the packaging plant data switch can comprise a cache memory for storing current status values for different statuses of the packaging plant 50 (see reference numbers 101 and 201), a data storage interface for communication with the persistent memory 30 (see reference numbers 102 and 202), an optional access interface via which the components and/or applications of the packaging plant 50 can subscribe to one or more status values (see reference numbers 103 and 203) and a data input interface for communication with the components and/or applications of the packaging plant 50 (see reference numbers 104 and 204).

[0084] Exemplary communication paths 60, 61 and 62 between corresponding interfaces of the instances 100 and 200 of the packaging plant data switch and the components 51, 52 of the packaging plant 50 as well as the persistent memory 30 are shown in FIG. 1.

[0085] The communication with the components and/or applications of the packaging plant 50 as well as the persistent memory 30 can take place both indirectly as well as directly. Direct communication should for example thereby be understood to mean that a component and/or application of the packaging plant 50 or the persistent memory 30 communicates directly with the respective interface (for example the data input interface 104 or the data storage interface 102). Indirect communication takes place for example if a component and/or application of the packaging plant 50 or the persistent memory 30 communicates with the respective interface (for example the data input interface 104 or the data storage interface 102) via a program module (for example a plug-in). As disclosed above, such a program module is for example adapted to the other component and/or application of the packaging plant 50 and/or the persistent memory 30.

[0086] The respective instance of the packaging plant data switch can, for example, obtain packaging plant status data from the components and/or applications of the packaging plant 50 by the data input interface. For example, the data input interfaces 104 and 204 of the instances 100 and 200 of the packaging plant data switch are configured to obtain packaging plant status data in a specified data format. If a component and/or application of the packaging plant 50 packaging plant communicates status data to the data input interface 104 or 204 in another data format, a program module can for example be provided in the communication path which converts the packaging plant status data into the specified data format.

[0087] The persistent memory 30 is a database system separate from the packaging plant data switch. For example, the persistent memory 20 is provided by a corresponding database server device. The persistent memory 30 serves for example to permanently store the status values obtained from the packaging plant data switch. For example, historical and current status values for different statuses of the packaging plant 50 are stored in the persistent memory 30. By the data storage interfaces 102 and 202, the instances 100 and 200 of the packaging plant data switch can for example communicate a status value to the persistent memory 30 for storage in the persistent memory 30 and/or obtain storage confirmation and/or storage error notifications from the persistent memory 30. A program module can thereby be provided in the respective communication path in order, for example, to make possible a data format conversion.

[0088] Furthermore, the instances of the packaging plant data switch can communicate with one another via the message bus 40, as indicated by the exemplary communication path 63 between the instances 100 and 200 of the packaging plant data switch.

[0089] The message bus 40 is for example provided by a server device. The message bus 40 should for example be understood to be a communication platform which makes possible a message-based communication between the instances 100 and 200 of the packaging plant data switch.

[0090] The communication paths 60, 61, 62 and 63 shown in FIG. 1 are for example logical communication paths. These communication paths can run along different communication connections (for example wired and/or wireless communication connections). For example, the individual components 10 to 50 of the system 1 are connected with one another in communication terms via one or more communication networks and/or bus systems. Examples of such a communication network are an Ethernet network and/or a WLAN network. Ethernet networks are for example specified in the standards of the IEEE 802.3 family; and WLAN is for example specified in the standards of the IEEE-802.11 family. Examples of a bus system are real-time Ethernet networks such as EtherCAT, which are specified, inter alia, in the standards IEC-61158 and IEC-61784-2.

[0091] FIG. 2a shows a flow chart 300 with steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention. In the following, it is assumed by way of example that the steps 301 to 304 of the flow chart 300 are performed at least by the server device 10, which is part of the system 1 in FIG. 1.

[0092] In a step 301, first packaging plant status data are obtained by the data input interface 104 of the first instance 100 of the packaging plant data switch, wherein the first packaging plant status data represent at least one first status value of the packaging plant 50. For example, the first packaging plant status data are obtained from the component 51 via the communication path 61 in step 301. For example, the first status value is a first measured value (for example a temperature value) captured by a sensor (for example a temperature sensor) of the component 51.

[0093] In a step 302, the storage of the at least one first status value represented by the first packaging plant status data in the persistent memory is caused by the data storage interface 102 of the first instance 100 of the packaging plant data switch. For example, in step 302 the first status value is communicated to the persistent memory 30 by the data storage interface 102 for storage in the persistent memory 30 via the communication path 60.

[0094] Furthermore, in step 302 a storage confirmation notification and/or a storage error notification can for example be obtained from the persistent memory 30 by the data storage interface 102 of the first instance 100 of the packaging plant data switch. For example, the persistent memory 30 is configured to communicate a corresponding storage confirmation notification to the data storage interface 102 if the at least one first status value represented by the first packaging plant status data has been stored in the persistent memory 30. Furthermore, the persistent memory 30 is for example configured to communicate a corresponding storage error notification to the data storage interface 102 if the at least one first status value represented by the first packaging plant status data was not stored in the persistent memory 30 (for example due to an error). If such a storage error notification is obtained by the data storage interface 102, the flow chart 300 is for example discontinued and/or the step 302 repeated at a later time. If, on the other hand, a storage confirmation notification is obtained by the data storage interface 102, the flow chart is for example continued with a step 303.

[0095] In the step 303, the first instance 100 and the second instance 200 of the packaging plant data switch are notified by the first instance 100 that the first packaging plant status data representing at least the first status value have been obtained. Alternatively, in the step 303 the first instance 100 can cause the first instance 100 and the second instance 200 of the packaging plant data switch to be notified accordingly.

[0096] The notification of the first instance 100 and the second instance 200 of the packaging plant data switch that the first packaging plant status data representing at least the first status value have been obtained comprises for example the communication of the first packaging plant status data and/or the first status value to the first instance 100 and the second instance 200. For example, the first status value is communicated to the first instance 100 and the second instance 200 together with a unique identifier. The unique identifier can for example be determined at least partially depending on metadata contained in the first packaging plant status data.

[0097] In order to cause the notification of the first instance 100 and the second instance 200 of the packaging plant data switch, in step 303 the first instance can for example call the message bus 40 and pass on the first status value (for example together with the unique identifier) to the message bus 40. For example, the message bus 40 is configured then to notify the first instance 100 and the second instance 200, at least substantially in parallel and/or at least substantially simultaneously, that the first status value has been obtained, and for example communicate the first status value (for example together with the unique identifier) to the first instance 100 and the second instance 200.

[0098] In a step 304, the first packaging plant status data and/or the first status value are then processed by the first instance 100 and the second instance 200 of the packaging plant data switch in response to the notification. In other words, the first instance 100 and the second instance 200 of the packaging plant data switch only process the first packaging plant status data and/or the first status value after they have been notified that the first packaging plant status data representing at least the first status value have been obtained.

[0099] The processing in step 304 can for example comprise the optional steps 305 to 307 shown in FIG. 2b. The flow chart 300 then ends.

[0100] In the step 305, the first instance 100 and the second instance 200 of the packaging plant data switch store the first status value in their respective cache memories 101 and 201.

[0101] In the step 306, the first instance 100 and the second instance 200 of the packaging plant data switch check whether one or more components and/or applications of the packaging plant 50 have subscribed to the first status value with the respective instance of the packaging plant data switch. For example, subscription data are stored in the cache memories 101 and 201 which are indicative of whether one or more components and/or applications of the packaging plant have subscribed to the first status value with the respective instance. For example, the component 52 has subscribed to the first status value with the second instance 200 of the packaging plant data switch.

[0102] In the step 307, the components and/or applications of the packaging plant 50 which have subscribed to the first status value are notified by the respective instance of the packaging plant data switch (for example by the access interface of the respective instance of the packaging plant data switch). If the check in step 306 has for example shown that the component 52 has subscribed to the first status value with the second instance 200 of the packaging plant data switch, the access interface 203 communicates the first status value to the component 52 via the communication path 62.

[0103] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a server device 400 according to the invention. For example, the server device 10 and/or server device 20 in FIG. 1 correspond to the server device 400.

[0104] The server device 400 comprises, by way of example, a processor 401 and, connected with the processor 401, a first memory serving as a program and data memory 402, a second memory serving as main memory 403 and a communication interface 404.

[0105] A processor should for example be understood to mean a microprocessor, a micro control unit, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). It should be understood that the server device 400 can also comprise multiple processors 10.

[0106] The processor 401 executes program instructions which are stored in the program memory 402, and for example stores interim results or the like in the main memory 403. For example, the main memory can contain the cache memory (for example the cache memory 101 or 201) of an instance of a packaging plant data switch provided by the server device 400. The program memory 402 contains for example program instructions of a computer program according to the invention which comprises program instructions which cause the processor 401 to perform and/or control the method according to the invention (for example the method according to the flow chart 300 shown in FIG. 2) when the processor 401 executes these program instructions stored in the program memory 402.

[0107] For example, the program memory 402 also contains the operating system of the server device 400 which, on starting the server device 400, is at least partially loaded into the main memory 403 and run by the processor 401. In particular, on starting the server device 400 at least one part of the core of the operating system is loaded into the main memory 403 and run by the processor 401.

[0108] An example of an operating system is a Windows, UNIX, Linux, Android, Apple iOS and/or MAC OS operating system. In particular, the operating system makes it possible to use the server device 400 for data processing. For example, it manages operating elements such as a main memory and a program memory, makes fundamental functions available to other computer programs, inter alia via programming interfaces , and controls the running of computer programs.

[0109] A program memory is for example a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic memory, an EEPROM memory (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) and/or an optical memory. A main memory is for example a volatile or non-volatile memory, in particular a random access memory (RAM) such as a static RAM memory (SRAM), a dynamic RAM memory (DRAM), a ferroelectric RAM memory (FeRAM) and/or a magnetic RAM memory (MRAM).

[0110] The main memory 403 and program memory 402 can also be implemented as one memory. Alternatively, the main memory 403 and/or program memory 402 can in each case be implemented in the form of multiple memories. Furthermore, the main memory 403 and/or program memory 402 can also be part of the processor 401.

[0111] In addition, the processor 401 controls the communication interface 404.

[0112] A communication interface can for example receive data using a communication technology (via a communication path and/or a communication connection within a communication network) and pass this on to the processor and/or receive data from the processor and send this (via a communication path and/or a communication connection within a communication network) using a communication technology.

[0113] Examples of such communication technologies are the communication networks disclosed above and their specifications such as Ethernet networks and/or WLAN networks and/or real-time Ethernet networks such as EtherCAT. An example of a communication interface is, accordingly, a network adapter such as an Ethernet and/or WLAN and/or EtherCAT network adapter.

[0114] The components 401 to 404 of the server device 400 are for example connected with one another for communication and/or operating purposes via one or more bus systems (for example one or more serial and/or parallel bus connections).

[0115] It should be understood that in addition to the components 401 to 404 the server device 400 can comprise further components (for example a user interface and/or one or more further communication interfaces).

[0116] Finally, FIG. 4 shows exemplary embodiments of storage media on which an exemplary embodiment of a computer program according to the invention can be stored. The storage medium can for example be a magnetic, electrical, optical and/or other form of storage medium. The storage medium can for example be part of a processor (for example of the processor 401 in FIG. 3), for example a (non-volatile or volatile) program memory of the processor or a part thereof (for example memory 402 in FIG. 3). Exemplary embodiments of a storage medium are a flash memory 500, an SSD hard drive 501, a magnetic hard drive 502, a memory card 503, a memory stick 504 (for example a USB stick), a CD-ROM or DVD 505 or a diskette 506.

[0117] The examples and exemplary embodiments of the present invention described in this specification should also be understood as being disclosed in any combination with one another. In particular, the description of a feature included in an embodimentunless otherwise expressly statedshould also not be understood in the present case to the effect that the feature is essential or important for the function of the exemplary embodiment. The sequence of the method steps represented in the individual flow charts in this specification is not mandatory, alternative sequences of the method steps are conceivable. The method steps can be implemented in different ways; for example, an implementation in software (through program instructions), hardware or using a combination of both to implement the method steps is conceivable. Terms used in the claims such as comprise, exhibit, include, contain and the like do not exclude further elements or steps. The formulation at least partially covers both the case partially and also the case completely. The formulation and/or should be understood to the effect that both the alternatives and also the combination thereof is intended to be disclosed, i.e. A and/or B means (A) or (B) or (A and B). Within the context of this specification, a plurality of units, persons or the like means multiple units, persons or the like. The use of the indefinite article does not rule out a plurality. A single device can perform the functions of several units or devices referred to in the claims. Reference symbols cited in the claims are not to be regarded as limitations of the means and steps used.