VIRTUAL PLATFORM TO FACILITATE AUTOMATED PRODUCTION

• US 20050137735A1
• Filed: 12/23/2003
• Published: 06/23/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Beacons Pharmaceutical Pte., Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Wee Song, Steve Loy, Wei Chak Joseph Lam
• Inventors: Loy, Wee Song, Steve, Lam, Wei Chak, Joseph
• Granted Patent: US 7,930,053 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/109
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/41865 characterised by job scheduling, process planning, material flow
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/32368 Quality control
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/04 Manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/30 Computing systems specially adapted for manufacturing

Abstract

A method of automating validation in a manufacturing facility is disclosed. The method comprises defining requirements, selecting and integrating automated devices for manufacturing. A hub-box with communication links is used to integrate the automated devices. The hub-box controls and facilitates communication between automated devices. The hub-box further collects and analyzes processing data for validation of the process. By interconnecting the automated devices to a hub-box, processing data may be collected substantially real-time and accessed remotely, facilitating continuous process validation.

Claims

1. A method of automating validation comprising:

defining requirements;

selecting automated devices for manufacturing;

integrating automated devices in a production line, wherein integrating the automated devices comprises interconnecting the automated devices to a hub-box via communication links, the hub-box controls and facilitates communication between automated devices;

collecting processing data from the automated devices by the hub-box for analysis;

analyzing processing data to determine whether the requirements are satisfied; and

validating the process if the requirements are satisfied.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein automating validation comprises automating validation in a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein selecting automated devices comprises grouping automated devices in at least one automated module.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein selected automated devices comprises grouping automated devices in a plurality of automated modules.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein collecting and analyzing data is performed substantially on a real-time basis to provide continuous and concurrent validation.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprises reviewing and planning corrective actions when analyzing the processing data that determines that the requirements are not satisfied.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the corrective actions comprise changing requirements.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprises generating commands to adjust process parameters based on results of analyzing the processing data.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein collecting processing data comprises collecting processing data for validation according to the defined requirements.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein integrating the automated devices comprises interconnecting the automated devices to a plurality of hub-boxes via communication links, the hub-boxes control and facilitate communication between automated devices.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprises assessing automated equipments after defining the requirements, wherein assessing the automated equipment comprises coupling proposed automated equipment to the hub-box to assess the proposed automated equipment.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprises providing a generic interface unit for facilitating communication between the hub-box and automated modules.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein providing the generic interface unit comprises providing a generic interface for each automated module.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the generic interface includes communication links for each automated device of the automated module.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein the generic interface includes communication links for each automated device of the automated module.

16. The method of claim 1 further comprises providing a plurality of hub-boxes which are interconnected.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein at least one of the plurality of hub-boxes serves as a redundant hub-box.

18. A virtual platform for automated production comprising:

a plurality of automated modules, an automated module comprising at least one automated device; and

at least one hub-box comprising

a hub for controlling a plurality of automated modules, wherein the hub collects, processes and stores data from the automated modules, and

a plurality of generic interface units for facilitating communication between the hub and the automated modules, wherein a generic interface unit and the automated module communicate using a first communication protocol, the generic interface unit and the hub communicate using a second communication protocol,

wherein the hub-box provides a virtual link between co-operating automated devices.

19. A virtual platform for automated production comprising:

a plurality of automated modules, an automated module comprising at least one automated device; and

a plurality of hub-boxes that are interconnected by a distribution system, wherein a hub-box comprises

a hub for controlling a plurality of automated modules, wherein the hub collects, processes and stores data from the automated modules, and

a plurality of generic interface units for facilitating communication between the hub and the automated modules, wherein a generic interface unit and the automated module communicate using a first communication protocol, the generic interface unit and the hub communicate using a second communication protocol,

wherein the hub-box provides a virtual link between co-operating automated devices.

20. A virtual platform for automated production comprising:

a plurality of automated modules, an automated module comprising at least one automated device;

at least one hub-box comprising

a hub for controlling a plurality of automated modules, wherein the hub comprises a change database for recording change history and a manufacturing information database for recording information related to manufacturing processes,

a plurality of generic interface units for facilitating communication between the hub and the automated modules, wherein a generic interface unit and the automated module communicate using a first communication protocol, the generic interface unit and the hub communicate using a second communication protocol; and

an external interface for providing remote access by an external party.