ELECTRONIC PRODUCTION CONTROL

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for electronically monitoring production by means of at least one production device, at least one enabling data set being provided for the production device and the production device being able to be operated depending on the enabling data set in order to manufacture a product on the basis of a production data set.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A method for electronic production monitoring, the method comprising: providing one or more enabling data sets to one or more production devices, the one or more production devices using the one or more enabling data sets and a production data set to produce a product.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the enabling data set is at least one of transmitted to the one or more production devices or authenticated, using an authorizing data set, and transmitted to the one or more production devices to enable the one or more production devices to use the production data set to produce the product.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the enabling data set comprises a first identifier that is used to identify the production data set, the production data set, in response to being identified, is provided to the one or more production devices by at least one of a central server or a local memory of the one or more production devices.

24. The method according to claim 21, wherein the enabling data set is at least one of an element of a decentralized data structure or a block of a blockchain.

25. The method according to claim 21, wherein the one or more production devices comprise a predetermined production device that is enabled by the enabling data.

26. The method according to claim 21, wherein the enabling data set limits the use of the production data set to producing a single copy of the product.

27. The method according to claim 21, wherein the enabling data set is not modified, duplicated, or subject to generation of a further enabling data set.

28. The method according to claim 21, wherein only one enabling data set is required to operate the device to produce the product.

29. The method according to claim 21, wherein generation or use of the enabling data set does not depend on the content of another enabling data set.

30. The method according to claim 21, wherein the enabling data set is provided depending on an authorizing data set, the enabling dataset being associated with the one or more production devices and the production data set, and the authorizing data set being associated with the enabling data set.

31. The method according to claim 21, wherein the enabling data set is implemented as a non-fungible token.

32. The method according to claim 21, further comprising at least one of, depending on a first confirmation of successful production, invalidating the enabling data set or, depending on a second confirmation of unsuccessful production, generating a new enabling data set for another production attempt.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the first confirmation is generated by using at least one of first automatically generated operating data of the production device or first input data of an inspecting authority for inspecting the product, the second confirmation being generated by using at least one of second automatically generated operating data of the one or more production devices, second input data of the inspecting authority, or third input data of a monitoring authority.

34. The method according to claim 21, further comprising receiving from an ordering authority an order data set that comprises information about the product, the enabling data set being generated by a providing authority on the basis of the order data set and being provided for an operating authority of the one or more production devices to produce the product.

35. The method according to claim 21, wherein the production data set is at least one of encrypted, partially encrypted, or comprises access data for reading the production data set.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the access data comprises at least one of a first key for decrypting the production data set or a hash value for the production data set, the first key being at least one of generated by using a second key or encrypted using a third key.

37. The method according to claim 21, wherein the enabling data set comprises at least one of a second identifier for uniquely identifying the one or more production devices, a third identifier for uniquely identifying the enabling data set, a fourth identifier for uniquely identifying a providing authority associated with the enabling data set, or a timestamp.

38. The method according to claim 21, wherein the method is a computer-implemented method that is implemented on a system that comprises one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium or media, the non-transitory computer-readable medium or media comprising one or more sets of instructions which, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, causes the method to be performed.

39. A production device comprising: a communications interface that receives at least one of an enabling data set or a production data set; a secured data processing area that processes at least one of the enabling data set or the production data set; and one or more controllers that authenticate at least one of the enabling data set or the production data set, the one or more controllers using at least one of the enabling data set or the production data set to cause the production device to produce a product.

40. A data structure for electronic production monitoring using a production device, the data structure comprising a plurality of enabling data sets that are stored in decentralized locations and a plurality of production data sets that are stored on centralized server, each of the enabling data sets being associated with one of the plurality of production data sets, the production device using at least one of the enabling data set or the production data set to produce a product, the data structure being at least partially implemented by using a blockchain.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] The invention is explained below using the drawings solely as examples. The drawings show in detail:

[0073] FIG. 1 a schematic having elements for electronically monitoring production;

[0074] FIG. 2 a production device for implementing the electronic production monitoring according to FIG. 1;

[0075] FIG. 3 a method for implementing the electronic production monitoring according to FIG. 1 according to a first consideration; and

[0076] FIG. 4 a method for implementing the electronic production monitoring according to a second consideration.

[0077] Functionally identical components are labeled with the same reference numeral.

[0078] FIG. 1 shows a schematic having elements for electronically monitoring a production device 10. It is assumed that an ordering authority 12, such as a repair shop, would like to operate the production device 10 in order to obtain a product 42, such as a particular component. To this end, the ordering authority 12 can initially generate a first order data set 30 having identification data of the ordering authority 12 by means of a terminal device, not shown, (such as a smartphone or the like) and transmit the same to an authorizing authority 14. The authorizing authority 14 determines by means of the order data set 30 whether the ordering authority 12 can receive authorization for using the production device 10. If so, the authorizing authority 16 generates an authorizing data set 32 on the basis of the first order data set 30.

[0079] The authorizing data set 32 represents authorization for the ordering authority 12 to use the production device 10, particularly by providing one or more enabling data sets 36 as described in more detail below.

[0080] The ordering authority 12 further generates a second order data set 34 transmitted to a first providing authority 16. Said step can in turn be performed by means of a terminal device, such as a smartphone or tablet. The first providing authority 16 then checks whether the ordering authority 12 has sufficient authorization that one or more enabling data sets 36 according to the second order data set 34 may be provided. For determining the authorization, the first providing authority 16 receives the authorizing data set 32 from the authorizing authority 14 or requests said data set from the authorizing authority 14. When the authorization of the ordering authority 12 has been successfully determined, the enabling data set 36 is generated on the basis of the second order data set 34.

[0081] The second order data set 34 comprises information about the product 42 to be manufactured. Said information is processed by the providing authority 16 in that the enabling data set 36 comprises an identifier for uniquely identifying a production data set 38 for producing the product 42. The production data set 38 is saved in encrypted form in a second providing authority 18.

[0082] In addition to the identifier for identifying the production data set 38, the enabling data set 36 further comprises an identifier for identifying the production device 10 and access data for decrypting the production data set 38. The enabling data set 36 is transmitted to the production device 100 and provided to the production device 10 in this manner.

[0083] In response to receiving the enabling data set 36, said data set is processed by the production device 10 and evaluated, particularly with respect to the various data present in the enabling data set 36. The enabling data set 36 is first authenticated in that authentication data of the enabling data set 36 is transmitted to an authenticating authority 20. Once the authenticating authority 20 has confirmed the authenticity of the enabling data set 36, said confirmation is made known to the production device 10. The production device 10 then proceeds with further processing of the enabling data set 36.

[0084] The production data set 38 is invoked by means of the identifier present in the enabling data set 36 for identifying the production device 38 to the second providing authority 18 and transmitted to the production device 10. After the production data set 38 has been received, said data set is decrypted using the access data of the enabling data set 36 and further access data saved in the production device 10 and is made usable in this manner.

[0085] The production device 10 also determines whether the identifier for identifying the production device 10 matches a reference indicator saved at the production device 10. If so, the production device 10 is enabled for operating for manufacturing the product 42.

[0086] An operating authority 26 of the production device 10 is informed of the enabling of the production device 10. The operating authority 26 then starts operating the production device 10 in order to manufacture the product 42 according to the production data set 38. To this end, the operating authority 26 transmits control data 44 to the production device 10, for example, in the form of input data for initiating the desired operation of the production device 10 and setting configuration parameters as needed.

[0087] The product 42 produced is inspected by an inspecting authority 24, that is, is checked with respect to the desired quality of the product 42. For example, a check is made as to whether the product 42 has a desired surface finish and shape. The inspecting authority 24 transmits the result of said inspection in the form of inspecting data 46 to the production device 10. For example, an assessor enters the inspecting data 24 at an operator interface of the production device 10. The inspecting authority 24 can also monitor quality during manufacturing and can interrupt the operation of the production device 10 as needed in order to avoid unnecessary manufacturing errors.

[0088] The authorities 14, 16, 18, and 20 implement first monitoring authorities 22 of the electronic production monitoring and serve for executing communications between the ordering authority 12 and the production device 10. Communications are implemented in the sense of production monitoring such that the production device 10 can be actuated reliably and correctly in order to manufacture the desired product 42 at the intended level of quality.

[0089] The authorities 14, 16, 18, and 20 are shown separately in the schematic of FIG. 1. Said authorities can, however, be consolidated partially or completely in one or more authorities, deviating from the depiction. For example, the first providing authority 16 and the authenticating authority 20 can be consolidated in one authority. It is further possible to implement the first providing authority 16 and the second providing authority 18 as a common providing authority.

[0090] The authorities 14, 16, 18, and 20 can each be implemented by servers, preferably electronically networked to one another, and can be connected to the production device 10 by means of the Internet. The ordering authority 12 can be further electronically connected to the authorizing authority 14 and the first providing authority 16, particularly by means of a public communications network such as the Internet. The authorities 14, 16, 18, and 20, together with the production device 10, represent a networked, decentralized production architecture having electronic production monitoring.

[0091] Each of the authorities 14, 16, 18, and 20 can be associated with various persons, said persons monitoring or influencing the operating of the authorities.

[0092] The inspecting authority 24 and the operating authority 26 implemented two monitoring authorities 28 of the production monitoring, wherein the authorities 24 and 26 can be consolidated in one, common authority. For example, the functions of the inspecting authority 24 can be performed by the operating authority 26.

[0093] The authorities 24 and/or 26 are preferably associated with respective persons, for example, an assessor in the case of the inspecting authority 24, and an operator of the production device 10 in the case of the operating authority 26. The inspecting authority 24 and the operating authority 26 can, however, be supplemented with electronic accessories or implemented by means of electronic devices (not shown).

[0094] Further considerations of the production device 10 are described below with reference to FIG. 2. The production device 10 is shown purely schematically in FIG. 2 and comprises a first controller 48 and a production module 50. The controller 48 is connected to the production module 50 in order to control the production module 50 depending on control data of the controller 48. The production module 50 can be a printing unit of a 3D printer, for example.

[0095] The production device 10 also comprises a secured data processing area 52 separate from the remainder of the data processing area of the production device 10, particularly from the first controller 48. Access to the controller 48 thus does not simultaneously enable access to the data processing area 52. In this manner, the data processing area 52 is protected against unauthorized, external access.

[0096] The production device 10 comprises an operator interface 58 provided for entering control data, for example, by the operating authority 26 and/or the inspecting authority 24 (FIG. 1). The production device 10 further comprises a communications interface 60 connected to the secured data processing area 52 and particularly serving for receiving enabling data sets 36 and production data sets 38 and for transmitting authentication data 40. In addition, further communications interfaces can be provided, but are separate from the communications interface 60 and do not compromise the security requirements for the data processing area 52 in this respect (not shown).

[0097] The data processing area 52 comprises a second controller 54 and a memory 56 wherein access data for reading production data sets 38 are saved. The second controller 54 is particularly adapted for receiving and processing an enabling data set 36 and a production data set 38 by means of the communications interface 60. To this end, the production data set 38 can be decrypted on the basis of the access data saved in the memory 56.

[0098] The controller 54 is further adapted for authenticating the enabling data set 36 and for generating control data on the basis of the decrypted production data set 38 for transmitting to the first controller 48. The controller 48 controls the production module 50 for manufacturing the product 42 using the control data.

[0099] A method according to a further consideration of the electronic production monitoring of FIG. 1 is described below with reference to FIG. 3. The first order data set 30 is first generated (step 62) in order to provide an authorizing data set 32 on the basis thereof (step 64). Steps 62 and 64 are optional. The second order data set 34 is generated in step 66. The enabling data set 36 is provided (step 68) on the basis of the second order data set 34, wherein said providing can optionally be done depending on the authorizing data set.

[0100] The production data set 38 is provided on the basis of the enabling data set 36 and represents an electronic production specification of the product 42 to be manufactured, for example, in the form of an NC file or build job (step 70). The production device 10 is then operated depending on the provided enabling data set 36 and on the basis of the production data set 38 in order to manufacture the product 42 (step 72).

[0101] The manufacturing process is monitored in step 74. If the manufacturing of the product 42 is not successful, for example, due to a defect of the production device 10, then a new enabling data set 36 is provided for another manufacturing attempt. The step 72 can then be performed again. The successful manufacturing of the product 42 is confirmed by inspecting data 46. The product 42 is then provided for the ordering authority 12 or for a predetermined third party (step 76).

[0102] A method according to a further consideration of the electronic production monitoring of FIG. 1 is described below. The method begins in step 78 by generating a symmetric key used for encrypting and decrypting the production data set 38. The providing authority 16 generates the key preferably by means of a private key.

[0103] The symmetric key is encrypted in step 80 by means of a public key of the production device 10 and is added to the production device 36 along with further information. The symmetric key is also used for encrypting the production data set 38 (step 82).

[0104] In step 84, the enabling data set 36 is provided to the production device 10. In addition, the encrypted production data set 38 is provided to the production device 10 (step 86). The enabling data set 36 and the production data set 38 are now available to the production device 10 for further processing.

[0105] In step 88, the symmetric key present in the enabling data set 36 in encrypted form is decrypted. The symmetric key is then used for decrypting the production data set 38 (step 90). The production device 10 is then operated depending on the enabling data set 36 in order to manufacture the product 42 on the basis of the production data set 38 (step 92).

TABLE-US-00001 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 10 Production device 12 Ordering authority 14 Authorizing authority 16 First providing authority 18 Second providing authority 20 Authenticating authority 22 First monitoring authorities 24 Inspecting authority 26 Operating authority 28 Second monitoring authorities 30 First order data set 32 Authorizing data set 34 Second order data set 36 Enabling data set 38 Production data set 40 Authentication data 42 Product 44 Control data 46 Inspection data 48 First controller 50 Production module 52 Data processing area 54 Second controller 56 Memory 58 Operator interface 60 Communications interface 62 Generating a first order data set 64 Providing an authorizing data set 66 Generating a second order data set 68 Providing an enabling data set 70 Providing a production data set 72 Operating the production device 74 Monitoring the manufacturing 76 Providing the product 78 Generating a key 80 Encrypting the key 82 Encrypting the production data set 84 Providing the enabling data set 86 Providing the production data set 88 Decrypting the key 90 Decrypting the production data set 92 Operating the production device