Method for simulating a process line

• US 20060241791A1
• Filed: 04/14/2006
• Published: 10/26/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/15/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Henkel KGaA (Henkel AG & Co KGaA)
• Original Assignee: Henkel KGaA (Henkel AG & Co KGaA)
• Inventors: Pokorny, Sascha, Reifferscheidt, Ralf, Hennig, Joachim, Meier, Joachim
• Application Number:
  US11/404,605
• Publication Number:
  US 20060241791A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/67
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 17/02 electric

Abstract

Methods for monitoring a process line and simulating changes in the process are described.

Claims

1. A method for simulating a process line, comprising:

generating a digital description of physical characteristics associated with a process line;

generating process information via a sensor associated with a component of the process line;

storing the digital description and process information in a memory component; and

integrating the stored data to model the function and structure of the process line.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is used to monitor the process line.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is used to simulate virtual changes in production of the process line upon changes in variables.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising manipulating at least one of the digital description and process information.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the model on an output component.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital description of the process line area is in object-oriented form.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital description is a scaled model.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital description is generated via a laser scanner.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital description is generated via a 3D laser scanner.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is dedicated to a component.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital description includes information regarding at least one of a building structure and a geometry associated with the building housing the process line.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital description includes information regarding at least one component associated with the process line.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the digital description includes at least one of data associated with component structure, component geometry, production plan, products, intermediate products, packaging, speed, or housekeeping.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the process data comprises at least one of data associated with failure, speed, processing quantity, or time.

15. A method for simulating a process line, comprising:

generating a digital description of physical characteristics associated with a process line;

generating process information via a sensor associated with a component of the process line, wherein the at least one sensor is dedicated to a component;

storing the digital description and process information in a memory component;

manipulating at least one of the digital description and process information; and

integrating the stored data to model the function and structure of the process line.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the digital description is generated via a laser scanner.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the digital description is generated via a 3D laser scanner.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the digital description includes information regarding at least one of a building structure and a geometry associated with the building housing the process line.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the digital description includes information regarding at least one component associated with the process line.

20. A system comprising:

a process line;

an integration platform, comprising;

a first input component for receiving a digital description of physical characteristics associated with a process line;

a second input component for receiving process information via a sensor associated with a component of the process line;

a third input component for receiving virtual reality planning data; and

a processing component for integrating a plurality of the input components to model the structure and function of the process line;

an output component for displaying the model.