Patent Publication Number: US-2021191373-A1

Title: Systems and methods for enabling and disabling operation of manufacturing machines

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure generally relates to manufacturing machines, and particularly to quality control of manufacturing machines. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a manufacturing machine user interface facilitates receiving quality control information regarding the manufacturing machine from a user. For quality assurance purposes, the computer system of the manufacturing machine may decide whether to enable operation of the manufacturing machine based on the received quality control information. The computer system of the manufacturing machine may also decide to disable operation of the manufacturing machine if the quality control information provided is incomplete, out of date, or otherwise insufficient to indicate the manufacturing machine is ready for safe and effective operation. In some embodiments, one or more client systems, telecommunications devices, and/or personal digital assistant (PDA) devices on which the user interface is displayed and with which the manufacturing machine is in communication may enable operation of the manufacturing machine based on the received quality control information. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a networked environment, including a number of servers, clients and manufacturing machines communicatively coupled to each other by one or more networks, of which systems and methods for enabling and disabling operation of manufacturing machines may be a part, or in which they may be implemented, according to one illustrated embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram of an example manufacturing machine user interface, according to one illustrated embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of the example manufacturing machine user interface of  FIG. 2  after quality control information has been accepted, according to one illustrated embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of the example manufacturing machine user interface of  FIG. 2  after quality control information has not been accepted, according to one illustrated embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a method of deciding whether to enable operation of a manufacturing machine, according to one illustrated embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram showing a portion of the method of  FIG. 5  in more detail, according to one illustrated embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a method of providing quality control information regarding a manufacturing machine, according to one illustrated embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is an overview block diagram illustrating an example networked environment  100 , including a number of servers, clients and manufacturing machines communicatively coupled to each other by one or more networks, of which systems and methods for enabling and disabling operation of manufacturing machines may be a part, or in which they may be implemented, according to one illustrated embodiment. 
     Before providing additional details regarding the operation and constitution of methods and systems for enabling and disabling operation of manufacturing machines, the example networked environment  100 , within which a manufacturing machine may operate, will briefly be described. 
     The networked environment  100  includes a number of server computing systems  102   a - 102   n  (collectively  102 ). The server computing systems  102  include processors that execute server instructions (i.e., server software) stored on computer-readable storage media to provide server functions in the networked environment  100 . For example, the server computing systems  102  may electronically receive, store, generate, analyze, track and transmit quality control information regarding one or more of the manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n  on the network  108 . This quality control information regarding one or more of the manufacturing machines may be stored in one or more databases or other computer-readable storage media  104   a - 104   n  (collectively  104 ). The quality control information regarding one or more of the manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n  includes, but is not limited to, information regarding one or more of: maintenance records, inspection records, certifications, standards, quality assurance, manufacturing machine training, quality goals, manufacturing machine documentation, manufacturing machine conformance, manufacturing machine compliance, manufacturing machine history information, manufacturing machine standards, quality standards, manufacturing machine warranties, operator qualifications and certifications, manufacturing machine monitoring, health and safety requirements, manufacturing policies, manufacturing machine operational readiness, manufacturing machine performance records, operator credentials, etc. 
     The networked environment  100  includes a number of client computing systems  106   a - 106   n  (collectively  106 ) selectively communicatively coupled to one or more of the server computing systems  102  and/or manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n  via one or more communications networks  108 . The client computing systems  106  include one or more processors that execute one or more sets of communications instructions stored on any of a variety of non-transitory computer-readable storage media  110  (only one illustrated in  FIG. 1 ). The client computing systems  106  may take a variety of forms, for instance desktop, laptop or notebook personal computers, tablet computers, workstations, mini-computers, mainframe computers, or other computational devices with microprocessors or microcontrollers which are capable of networked communications. The client computing systems  106  may be communicatively coupled to the rest of the network  108  via wired, wireless or a combination of wired and wireless communications channels. 
     The manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n  may include machines configured to manufacture any physical product or parts of products and/or perform any physical process. For example, one or more of the manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n  may be located on a factory floor of a manufacturer or processing plant of one or more of said products or parts of products. Also, one or more of the manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n  may be located at different manufacturing or processing facilities. The one or more of the manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n  may also be different manufacturing machines configured to make different products and perform different processes. 
     The networked environment  100  includes a number of telecommunications devices  111  (only one illustrated). Such telecommunications devices  111  may, for example, take the form of Internet or Web enabled cellular phones or smart phones (e.g., iPHONE®). The networked environment  100  also includes a number of personal digital assistant (PDA) devices  112  (only one illustrated). Such PDA devices  112  may, for example, take the form of Internet or Web enabled PDAs or tablet computers (e.g., iPHONE®, iPAD®, TREO®, BLACKBERRY®), which may, for example, execute a set of browser instructions or program or other networking program. The networked environment  100  may include any number of a large variety of other devices that are capable of some type of networked communications. The telecommunications devices  110 , PDA devices  112 , as well as any other devices, may be communicatively coupled to the rest of the network  108  via wired, wireless or a combination of wired and wireless communications channels. 
     The one or more communications networks  108  may take a variety of forms. For instance, the communications networks  108  may include wired, wireless, optical, or a combination of wired, wireless and/or optical communications links. The one or more communications networks  108  may include public networks, private networks, unsecured networks, secured networks or combinations thereof. The one or more communications networks  108  may employ any one or more communications protocols, for example TCP/IP protocol, UDP protocols, IEEE 802.11 protocol, as well as other telecommunications or computer networking protocols. The one or more communications networks  108  may include what are traditionally referred to as computing networks and/or what are traditionally referred to as telecommunications networks or combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment, the one or more communications networks  108  includes the Internet, and in particular, the Worldwide Web or (referred to herein as “the Web”). Consequently, in at least one embodiment, one or more of the server computing systems  102  execute server software to serve HTML source files or Web pages  114   a - 114   d  (collectively  114 ), and one or more client computing systems  106 , telecommunications devices  110  and/or PDAs  112  execute browser software to request and display HTML source files or Web pages  114 . 
     The networked environment  100  includes an interactive system for electronically for enabling and disabling operation of the manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n.  The interactive system for electronically for enabling and disabling operation of the manufacturing machines  1 - 3   a - 103   n  may include one or more server computing systems  102 , databases  104  and one or more client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , and/or PDA devices  112 . 
     The one or more server computing systems  102  execute instructions stored on non-transitory computer-readable storage media that cause the server computing systems  102  to electronically receive, store, generate, track, act on, analyze and transmit quality control information regarding one or more of the manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n  with respect to and/or between one or more client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n,  and/or PDA devices  112 , and provide communications during or in connection with such services to and between one or more client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n,  and/or PDA devices  112 . One or more of the client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n,  and/or PDA devices  112  may instead or also execute instructions stored on non-transitory computer-readable storage media that cause such devices to electronically receive, store, generate, track, act on, analyze and transmit quality control information regarding one or more of the manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n  with respect to and/or between one or more other client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n  and/or PDA devices  112 , and provide communications during or in connection with such services to and between one or more client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n  and/or PDA devices  112 . 
     Although not required, the embodiments will be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program application engines, objects, or macros stored on computer- or processor-readable storage media and executed by a computer or processor. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the illustrated embodiments as well as other embodiments can be practiced with other affiliated system configurations and/or other computing system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, personal computers (“PCs”), network PCs, mini-computers, mainframe computers, and the like. The embodiments can be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks or acts are performed by remote processing devices, which are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program engines may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. 
     One or more of the manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n  may include one or more processors, computers, memories and/or controllers, either integrated with the respective manufacturing machine or coupled to the respective manufacturing machine as one or more peripheral devices. The one or more processors, computers, memories and/or controllers are configured to execute instructions stored on non-transitory computer-readable storage media that cause the respective manufacturing machine to electronically receive, store, generate, track, act on, analyze and transmit quality control information regarding one or more of the manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n  with respect to and/or between one or more client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n,  and/or PDA devices  112 ; provide communications during or in connection with such services to and between one or more client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n,  and/or PDA devices  112 ; and provide a user interface for facilitating performance of such functions. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram of an example manufacturing machine user interface  200 , according to one illustrated embodiment. 
     For example, the manufacturing machine user interface  200  may be a user interface of one or more of the manufacturing machines  103   a - 103   n  (e.g., manufacturing machine  103   a ). The manufacturing machine user interface  200  may be generated and/or presented by the manufacturing machine  103   a  on a local display of the manufacturing machine  103   a  and/or may be generated and/or presented on a display of one or more of the client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , and/or PDA devices  112 . 
     The manufacturing machine user interface  200  provides an interface that facilitates receiving of quality control information regarding the manufacturing machine  103   a  from a user. For quality assurance purposes, the computer system of the manufacturing machine  103   a  may decide whether to enable operation of the manufacturing machine based on the received quality control information. In some embodiments, one or more of the more client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , and/or PDA devices  112  on which the user interface  200  is displayed and with which the manufacturing machine  103   a  is in communication may enable operation of the manufacturing machine based on the received quality control information. 
     The user interface  200  includes user interface elements such as an authentication dialog box  202 , a Quality Control Queries dialog box  204 , a Quality Control Query Answers dialog box  206 , a Provide Quality Control Documentation  208  dialog box, and a “Confirm” button  312 . Various other embodiments may include the same, fewer or more user interface elements displayed in different configurations for receiving input of quality control information from a user. 
     The authentication dialog box  202  is configured to receive input from a user such as a PIN, password, user name, biometric data or other user credentials to identify an authorized user of the manufacturing machine or quality control system. For example, particular users may be certified or otherwise identified as authorized to input required quality control information to enable operation of the manufacturing machine  103   a.  In some embodiments, any authorized operator of the manufacturing machine may be authenticated and authorized to input the required quality control information to enable operation of the manufacturing machine  103   a.  Also, in embodiments, where the manufacturing machine user interface  200  is configured to be displayed on one or more of the client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , and/or PDA devices  112 , a manufacturing machine ID may be required to be input to the authentication dialog box  202  to identify for which particular manufacturing machine the quality control information is being input, such as to enable operation of that particular manufacturing machine. The manufacturing authentication dialog box  202  also displays a manufacturing machine current status. The manufacturing authentication dialog box  202  shows an initial or default status of “locked” (indicating operation of the manufacturing machine  103   a  is being prevented) because the required quality control information has yet to be input and verified by the manufacturing machine  103   a  or one or more server systems  102 , client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , and/or PDA devices  112 . 
     The quality control queries of the Quality Control Queries dialog box  204  may include one or more queries related to the quality control information required to enable operation of the manufacturing machine  103   a.  For example, the query may be regarding whether and/or when the most recent inspection had taken place, particular upgrades had been performed, required maintenance had been performed, etc. Other queries may instead or in addition be regarding quality control information including, but not limited to, information regarding one or more of: maintenance records, inspection records, certifications, standards, quality assurance, manufacturing machine training, quality goals, manufacturing machine documentation, manufacturing machine conformance, manufacturing machine compliance, manufacturing machine history information, manufacturing machine standards, quality standards, manufacturing machine warranties, operator qualifications, manufacturing machine monitoring, health and safety requirements, manufacturing policies, company manufacturing policies, manufacturing machine operational readiness, manufacturing machine performance records, operator credentials, etc. The Quality Control Query Answers dialog box  206  is configured to receive answers to such queries such as in the form a yes/no answer, dates an action or check had been performed, other information related to the query, etc. 
     The Provide Quality Control Documentation dialog box  208  is configured to facilitate input of entire records or portions of entire records containing quality control information, whether they are in electronic format, printed documents, or other standard or non-standard format. For example, if the user interface  200  is being displayed on one or more of the server systems  102 , client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , and/or PDA devices  112  with which the manufacturing machine  103   a  is in communication, then a user of such a device may have stored on that device particular records which may be uploaded directly to the manufacturing machine  103  a or to one or more server systems  102  using the Provide Quality Control Documentation dialog box  208 . 
     Furthermore, if the user interface  200  is being presented on a display of the manufacturing machine  103   a,  the manufacturing machine  103   a  may have a scanner, document reader, smart card reader, near field communication (NFC) reader, radio frequency identification reader (RFID), etc., to read printed or electronic documents directly from a compatible external source. In some embodiments, one or more of the client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , and/or PDA devices  112  may also include such a scanner, document reader, smart card reader, NFC reader, RFID reader, etc., to read printed or electronic documents directly from an external source. The Provide Quality Control Documentation dialog box  208  may have further submenus for the user to indicate, specify, and or select other quality control records to be input or to make an inquiry regarding which records are required to enable operation of the manufacturing machine  103   a.    
     Once the required quality control information has been entered, uploaded, input or otherwise provided by the user via the manufacturing machine user interface  200 , then the user may select a “confirm” button  312  or other selectable user interface element to indicate the user is ready for operation of the manufacturing machine  103   a  to be enabled. 
     The manufacturing machine  103   a,  or one or more of the server systems  102 , client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , and/or PDA devices  112  with which the manufacturing machine  103   a  is in communication, then verifies the provided quality control information that had been entered, uploaded, input or otherwise provided by the user. For example, such verification may include comparing the provided quality control information with stored quality standards related to the required quality control information, checking accuracy of the provided quality control information, verifying authenticity of the provided quality control information, verifying credentials of the user, etc., providing the provided quality control information for manual inspection, replying via the user interface with follow-up queries or requests for additional information, etc. For example, if a date entered by a user of the most recent particular upgrade to the manufacturing machine is older than a stored date set and a threshold standard, then the provided quality control information may be deemed insufficient to enable operation of the particular manufacturing machine  103   a  for which the quality control data was provided. The provided quality control data would therefore not be accepted to enable operation of the particular manufacturing machine  103   a . On the other hand, if the date entered by a user of the most recent particular upgrade to the manufacturing machine is equal to or more recent than the stored date set as the threshold, then the provided quality control information may be deemed sufficient to enable operation of the particular manufacturing machine  103   a  for which the quality control data was provided. The provided quality control data would therefore be accepted to enable operation of the particular manufacturing machine  103   a.    
       FIG. 3  is a diagram of the example manufacturing machine user interface  200  of  FIG. 2  after the quality control information has been accepted, according to one illustrated embodiment. 
     Shown is the example manufacturing machine user interface  200  including an “Information Accepted” dialog box  302  indicating that the quality control information previously entered is deemed sufficient to enable operation of the particular manufacturing machine  103   a.  Note that since the quality control information previously entered is deemed sufficient to enable operation of the particular manufacturing machine  103   a,  the current status of the manufacturing machine  103   a  is displayed on the user interface  200  as being operational. For example, a computer processor or controller of the manufacturing machine  103   a  may have generated and/or received a signal activating a switch or other electronic or mechanical device to enable operation of the mechanical elements of the manufacturing machine  103   a.  Also shown is an “operate machine” button  304  that when selected causes the manufacturing machine user interface to display the normal operation interface, if any, of the manufacturing machine  103   a.    
       FIG. 4  is a diagram of the example manufacturing machine user interface  200  of  FIG. 2  after the quality control information has not been accepted, according to one illustrated embodiment. 
     Shown is the example manufacturing machine user interface  200  including an “Information Not Accepted” dialog box  402  indicating that the quality control information previously provided is deemed insufficient to enable operation of the particular manufacturing machine  103   a.  The “Information Not Accepted” dialog box  402  may also indicate specific parts, categories, or types of the provided quality control information that was deemed insufficient, or that was missing (e.g., “XYZ” information). Note that since the quality control information previously entered is deemed insufficient to enable operation of the particular manufacturing machine  103   a,  the current status of the manufacturing machine  103   a  is displayed on the user interface  200  as being locked. For example, a computer processor or controller of the manufacturing machine  103   a  may have generated and/or received a signal activating a switch or other electronic or mechanical device to disable operation of the mechanical elements of the manufacturing machine  103   a.  This may occur in instances where quality control information is required during operation of the manufacturing machine  103   a.  In other embodiments, if the manufacturing machine  103   a  was already in a locked state, the manufacturing machine  103   a  may have done nothing to change the current state from locked to operational if the provided quality control information was not accepted. 
     Also shown is a “Provide XYZ Information” button  404  that, when selected, causes the manufacturing machine user interface  200  to display an interface that allows the user to input the required quality control information such as the user interface shown in  FIG. 2  or another user interface customized to provide the required incorrect or missing “XYZ” information. Also, additional information regarding why the provided quality control information was not accepted may also be displayed on the user interface  200 . 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a method  500  of deciding whether to enable operation of a manufacturing machine, according to one illustrated embodiment. 
     At  502 , the manufacturing machine  103   a,  or one of the server systems  102 , client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , or PDA devices  112 , receives quality control information regarding the manufacturing machine  103   a.    
     At  504 , the manufacturing machine  103   a,  or one of the server systems  102 , client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , or PDA devices  112 , decides whether to enable operation of the manufacturing machine based on the received quality control information. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a method  600  showing a portion of the method  500  of  FIG. 5  in more detail, according to one illustrated embodiment. In particular, step  502  of deciding whether to enable operation of the manufacturing machine based on the received quality control information is shown in more detail in the method  600  of  FIG. 6 . 
     At  602 , the manufacturing machine  103   a,  or one of the server systems  102 , client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , or PDA devices  112 , compares the received quality control information to a quality standard. 
     At  604 , the manufacturing machine  103   a,  or one of the server systems  102 , client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , or PDA devices  112 , determines whether the received quality control information meets the quality standard. 
     At  606 , the manufacturing machine  103   a,  or one of the server systems  102 , client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , or PDA devices  112 , decides not to enable operation of the manufacturing machine  103   a  if the received quality control information does not meet the quality standard. 
     At  608 , the manufacturing machine  103   a,  or one of the server systems  102 , client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , or PDA devices  112 , decides to enable operation of the manufacturing machine  103   a  if the received quality control information does meet the quality standard. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a method of providing quality control information regarding a manufacturing machine, according to one illustrated embodiment. 
     At  702 , one of the server systems  102 , client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , or PDA devices  112  receives a request from a manufacturing machine for quality control information regarding the manufacturing machine and provides the requested quality control information regarding the manufacturing machine to the manufacturing machine. For example, manufacturing machine may request such information to in order to enable operation of the manufacturing machine at the request of a user. 
     At  704 , one of the server systems  102 , client systems  106 , telecommunications devices  111 , or PDA devices  112  receives a request from the manufacturing machine for information indicative of a quality standard specific to the manufacturing machine and provides the requested information indicative of the quality standard specific to the manufacturing machine. For example, manufacturing machine may request such information to in order to verify, check, certify or validate the received quality control information to enable operation of the manufacturing machine. Also, manufacturing machine may request compliance information regarding the manufacturing machine produced by the server system if the server system had already performed the verifying, checking, certifying and/or validating of the quality control information and had stored the results as the compliance information. 
     While various embodiments have been described hereinabove, it is to be appreciated that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention(s) presently or hereafter claimed. The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.