JP2000347718A - Internet virtual plant - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an Internet virtual plant system by providing a server and plural terminals arranged in a real plant and connected through a communication line for exchanging information with the server to the server. SOLUTION: The Internet virtual plant system is provided with a server 12 and plural terminals 13-21. The server 12 receives information from a client 11 and provides information to the client 11. Each terminal is placed inside the real plant and connected with the server 12 through the communication line for receiving information from the server 12. It is enough for the client only to transmit an order and design information through the Internet. For example, following processes for selecting the real plant, communicating with the selected real plant and monitoring the selected real plant are executed by the Internet virtual plant. Thus, the cost of the client can be remarkably economized.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an Internet system, and more particularly to an Internet virtual factory system, a method for providing a virtual factory system using the Internet, and a computer executable program for executing the Internet virtual factory system. Computer readable medium.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electronic or mechanical products typically require multiple processes. For example, printed circuit boards require multiple cutting processes, drilling processes, first electroplating processes, printing processes, second electroplating processes, character printing processes, tin spray processes, molding processes, test processes, etc. . Thus, the designer must provide design information to a factory that can handle the entire process, or contact each factory that can handle only one process. Factories that process individual processes are located in different locations. Contact between factories is inconvenient. Moreover, because there are many factories that can handle the same process, designers must compare prices between factories. In addition, a factory that can handle the entire process can sometimes delegate an aspect of the process to an appropriate factory that can handle that process to reduce capacity. As such, a factory that can handle the entire process can sometimes cooperate with a factory that can handle a single process. If the designer commissions a factory to process a process item, the design may have to oversee the factory himself to keep track of progress. This is quite costly.

[0003] It is therefore desirable to provide a creative system that overcomes the above problems.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is to provide an Internet virtual factory system. The client need only send the order and design information over the Internet. For example, the subsequent process of selecting a real factory, communicating with the selected real factory, and overseeing the selected real factory may be performed by the Internet virtual factory of the present invention.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an Internet virtual factory system so that both the client and the real factory can obtain optimal benefits and their costs can be reduced.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for providing a virtual factory using the Internet, and achieve the above object by executing the method in the above system.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a computer readable medium for recording a computer executable program for executing an Internet virtual factory so that the Internet virtual factory is practiced.

[0008] Still other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention includes other different embodiments and several details can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description should be regarded as illustrative and not limiting.

[0009]

An Internet virtual factory system according to the present invention includes a server and a plurality of terminals, each of the plurality of terminals being located in a real factory, receiving information from the server, A plurality of terminals connected to the server via a communication line that supplies information to the server, wherein the server indicates information of each of the actual factories to a client system. And means for receiving and processing information from the client system and transmitting the processed information to the terminal in the physical factory.

[0010] The server may further include means for generating profit analysis data for the client system based on information from the client system.

[0011] The server may further include means for generating an account program for the client system based on information from the client system.

The server may further include means for generating an application program for a terminal in the actual factory based on information from the client system.

[0013] The server may further include means for indicating the actual factory progress on the website so that the client can track the progress.

[0014] The server may further comprise means for arranging a schedule for each of the real factories in accordance with the capabilities of each of the real factories to optimize process time.

After the server selects a predetermined real factory and processes the process item, checking means for transmitting a notification signal to the terminal in the real factory, and checking the capability of the real factory, Means for confirming that the process item is executable before the deadline; means for sending a signal from the terminal to the server to agree to process the process item; It may further include a means for transmitting and a means for constantly providing progress information of the actual factory to the server.

A means for transmitting a signal to the server after the actual factory executes the process item; a means for generating an application program for a next stage process based on information from the client system; Means for transmitting the application program to a terminal in the physical factory that processes the stage process item.

[0017] The information from the client system may be design information to be processed.

The method of providing a virtual factory system using the Internet according to the present invention comprises the steps of (a) presenting information of each real factory to a client system; and (b)
Receiving and processing information from the client system and transmitting the processed information to the terminal in the physical factory.

[0019] The method may further include generating an account program for the client system based on the information from the client system.

[0020] The method may further include generating an application program for a terminal in the actual factory based on information from the client system.

[0021] The method may further include indicating actual factory progress information on the website so that the client can track the progress.

[0022] The method may further include generating profit analysis data for the client system based on information from the client system.

The method may further include arranging a schedule for each of the actual factories according to the capabilities of the respective factories in order to optimize the process time.

[0024] After the server selects a predetermined real factory and processes the process item, transmitting a notification signal to a terminal in the real factory, and checking the capability of the real factory, Confirming that the process item is executable before the deadline; sending a signal from the terminal to the server to agree to process the process item; and sending an application program to the terminal And a step of constantly providing the actual factory progress information to the server.

Sending a signal to the server after the actual factory has performed a process item; generating an application program for a next stage process based on information from the client system; Transmitting the application program to a terminal in the physical factory that processes the stage process item.

The computer-readable medium for recording the computer-executable program for executing the Internet virtual factory according to the present invention includes: (a) means for indicating information of each of the actual factories to a client system; and (b) the client system. Means for receiving and processing information from the terminal and transmitting the processed information to a terminal in the physical factory.

[0027] The information processing apparatus may further include means for generating an account program for the client system based on information from the client system.

[0028] The information processing apparatus may further include means for generating an application program for the terminal in the actual factory based on information from the client system.

The system may further comprise means for indicating actual factory progress information on the website so that the client can track the progress.

[0030] The information processing apparatus may further include means for generating profit analysis data for the client system based on information from the client system.

[0031] In order to optimize the process time, it may further comprise means for arranging a schedule for each real factory according to the capabilities of said real factory.

After the server selects a predetermined real factory and processes the process item, it checks the means for transmitting a notification signal to a terminal in the real factory, and checks the capability of the real factory. Means for confirming that the process item is executable before the deadline; means for sending a signal from the terminal to the server to agree to process the process item; and sending an application program to the terminal. And a means for constantly providing progress information of the actual factory to the server.

Means for transmitting a signal to the server after the actual factory has executed a process item; means for generating an application program for a next stage process based on information from the client system; Means for transmitting the application program to a terminal in the physical factory that processes the stage process item.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIG. 1, the Internet virtual factory system includes a server 12 and a plurality of terminals 13, 14 and 21. The server 12 receives information from the client 11 and provides the information to the client 11. Each terminal is located in a real factory and is connected to the server 12 via a communication line to receive information from the server 12 and to provide information to the server 12.

The flowchart of FIG. 2 shows a method for providing an Internet virtual factory according to the present invention. First, in step 22, the client 11 enters the website of the Internet virtual factory according to the present invention. In step 23, the client 11 may obtain, on the website, information indicating each real factory included in the Internet virtual factory of the present invention (for example, an actual photograph of the device). If the client 11 considers that the actual factory equipment included in the Internet virtual factory is good and worthy of processing the process item, the client 11 sends an order to the website as shown in step 24 I do. The server 12 is a client 11
Means for generating an account program for the client system according to information from the client system. In step 25, the server 12 generates an account program for the client 11 according to the information from the client 11. The account program concerns pricing information. If the client 11 considers the price to be prohibitive, the client 11 can exit the system of the present invention, as shown in step 27. Client 11
If the client considers the price to be legitimate, the client 11 can commission the system of the present invention.

If the client 11 decides to outsource the processing of a later process item, then the client 11
2 must transmit the design information. Server 12
Includes means for generating an application program. In step 29, the server 12 generates an application program for a terminal in an actual factory according to the design information from the client 11. However, there are many real factories that can process the same process item. The server 12 includes means for arranging a schedule for each real factory in accordance with the capacity of each real factory to optimize process time. Of course, the client 11 may select a real factory by himself. The server 12 includes means for transmitting a notification signal to a terminal in a real factory. After the real factory is selected,
The server 12 sends a notification signal to a terminal in the actual factory, as shown in step 30. The notification signal includes a process item, a finish date, an amount, a price, and the like. The terminals in the real factory include means for checking the real factory capacity to make sure that the process item can be performed by the due date. The terminal in the actual factory includes means for sending a signal to the server 12 to agree to process the process item. Server 12
Includes means for transmitting the application program to the terminal. After the terminal in the real factory receives the application program, the real factory equipment can process the process item according to the application program.

The terminals in the real factory include means for always providing server 12 with real factory progress information. In step 31, the terminal in the real factory must always provide the server 12 with the real factory progress information. The server 12 includes means for displaying the received actual factory progress information on a website. Step 32
, The server 12 displays the received actual progress information of the factory on a website so that the client 11 can always grasp the progress. It is not necessary for the client 11 to oversee the factory himself. Client 11 can always check the current progress. If progress is delayed,
The server 12 automatically rushes the real factory.

Further, the server 12 includes means for generating profit analysis data of the client 11 in accordance with information from the client 11. The client 11 can grasp the profit of the process item.

Electronic or mechanical products typically require multiple processes. Thus, the system of the present invention is not limited to one process. Server 12 also provides for integration of multiple processes. The terminal in the real factory includes means for sending a signal to the server 12 after the real factory has finished the process item. The server 12 includes means for generating an application program at the next stage of the process according to the design information from the client 11. The server 12 includes means for transmitting the application program to a terminal in the real factory, which processes the next stage process item. The above steps are repeated, eg, for the process of selecting a factory and communicating with the selected factory, to process the next stage of process items. The product may be sent by courier from one real factory to another real factory. The system of the present invention may reduce client costs.

The present invention further includes a method for providing a virtual factory system using the Internet. This method
(1) showing a picture of the equipment of each real factory on the website; (2) receiving an order from the client; (3) generating an account program for the client according to the order; (4). Receiving design information for the process item; (5)
Generating an application program for a terminal in a real factory according to the design information; and (6) indicating the progress of the real factory on a website so that the client can always keep track of the progress.

Thus, the client need only send the order and design information over the Internet. For example,
The subsequent process of selecting a real factory, communicating with the selected real factory, and supervising the selected real factory may be performed by the Internet virtual factory of the present invention. The system of the present invention can save significant client costs.

The program can perform the above method. The program can be loaded into a computer or a programmable information processor to perform the functions of the flowchart of FIG. The program is stored in a computer-readable medium (for example, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a compact disk, a hard disk,
C memory, etc.). Accordingly, the present invention further discloses a computer readable medium recording a computer executable program for the method of the present invention.

In managing a real factory, there are at least two real factories that can process the same process item. The server must arrange a schedule for each real factory according to the capacity of each real factory to optimize the process time. In addition, real quality factories that do not produce and improve bad products during product quality control are eliminated. When the product does not match the client's design information, compensation is determined according to the design information.
Therefore, the real factory included in the system is the best factory in the world.

Because there are no restrictions by using the World Wide Web, foreign clients may utilize the system to send order and design information and delegate to someone to process the process item. It is not necessary for him to handle the matter in a real factory. Clients can save considerable costs. On the other hand, real factories can be integrated and assembled to form an industrial park.
The problem of industrial pollution is completely solved.

The present invention relates to an Internet virtual factory system and a computer readable medium for recording a computer executable program for executing a virtual factory system using the Internet and an Internet virtual factory. According to the present invention, the client can only send order and design information via the Internet. The latter process, such as selecting a real factory, communicating with the selected real factory, and supervising the selected real factory, can be performed by the Internet virtual factory system of the present invention. According to the system of the present invention, both the client and the real factory can obtain the optimal profit, and the cost of both can be reduced.

Having described and described embodiments of the present invention, various modifications and improvements can be made by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are for illustration and do not limit the present invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the specific forms described, but that modifications be made without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

[0047]

According to the present invention, the cost of the client can be greatly reduced, and the problem of industrial pollution is completely solved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an Internet virtual factory according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an Internet virtual factory according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Client 12 Server 13, 14, 15 Terminal

Continuation of front page (71) Applicant 500184523 21, YA-YI 3RD STREET, CHIEN CHEN, KAOH SIUNG, TAIWAN, R. O.C.

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. An Internet virtual factory system, comprising: a server and a plurality of terminals, each of the plurality of terminals being located in a real factory, receiving information from the server and A plurality of terminals connected to the server via a communication line that supplies information to the server, the server comprising: means for presenting information of each of the actual factories to a client system; Means for receiving and processing information from the client system and transmitting the processed information to the terminal in the physical factory. 2. The Internet virtual factory system according to claim 1, wherein the server further includes means for generating profit analysis data for the client system based on information from the client system. 3. The Internet virtual factory system according to claim 1, wherein the server further includes a unit that generates an account program for the client system based on information from the client system. 4. The Internet virtual factory system according to claim 1, wherein said server further includes means for generating an application program for a terminal in said real factory based on information from said client system. 5. The Internet virtual factory system of claim 1, wherein the server further comprises means for indicating actual factory progress on a website so that clients can track the progress. 6. The server of claim 1, wherein the server further comprises means for arranging a schedule for each of the real factories in accordance with the capabilities of each of the real factories to optimize process time. Internet virtual factory system. 7. A means for transmitting a notification signal to the terminal in the real factory after the server selects a predetermined real factory and processes a process item, and checks a capability of the real factory. Means for confirming that the process item is executable before the deadline; means for sending a signal from the terminal to the server to agree to process the process item; The Internet virtual factory system according to claim 1, further comprising: means for transmitting a program; and means for constantly providing progress information of the actual factory to the server. 8. A means for transmitting a signal to the server after the actual factory executes a process item; a means for generating an application program for a next stage process based on information from the client system; Means for transmitting the application program to a terminal in the physical factory that processes a next stage process item. 9. The Internet virtual factory system according to claim 2, wherein the information from the client system is design information for performing a process. 10. A method of providing a virtual factory system using the Internet, the method comprising: (a) presenting information of each real factory to a client system; and (b) transmitting information from the client system. Receiving and processing the information and transmitting the processed information to the terminal in the physical factory. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising generating an account program for the client system based on information from the client system. 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising generating an application program for a terminal in the physical factory based on information from the client system. 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of indicating actual factory progress information on a website so that the client can track the progress. 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising generating profit analysis data for the client system based on information from the client system. 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of arranging a schedule for each real factory in response to the capacity of each real factory to optimize process time. 16. The server selects a predetermined real factory and processes a process item, and then sends a notification signal to a terminal in the real factory, and checks the capability of the real factory. Confirming that the process item is executable before the deadline; sending a signal from the terminal to the server to agree to process the process item; The method of claim 10, further comprising: transmitting the actual factory progress information to the server. 17. transmitting a signal to the server after the real factory has performed a process item; generating an application program for a next stage process based on information from the client system; Transmitting the application program to a terminal in the physical factory that processes a next stage process item. 18. A computer readable medium for recording a computer executable program for executing an Internet virtual factory, the medium comprising: (a) means for presenting information of each of the real factory to a client system; b) means for receiving and processing information from the client system and transmitting the processed information to a terminal in the physical factory. 19. The system according to claim 18, further comprising means for generating an account program for the client system based on information from the client system.
A computer-readable medium according to claim 1. 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, further comprising: means for generating an application program for a terminal in the physical factory based on information from the client system. 21. The computer readable medium of claim 18, further comprising means for indicating actual factory progress information on a website so that the client can track the progress. 22. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, further comprising: means for generating profit analysis data for the client system based on information from the client system. 23. The computer readable medium of claim 18, further comprising means for arranging a schedule for each real factory in response to the capacity of each real factory to optimize process time. Medium. 24. A means for transmitting a notification signal to a terminal in the real factory after the server selects a predetermined real factory and processes a process item, and checks the capability of the real factory. Means for confirming that the process item is executable before the deadline; means for sending a signal from the terminal to the server to agree to process the process item; 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, further comprising: means for transmitting the actual factory progress information to the server. 25. A means for transmitting a signal to the server after the actual factory executes a process item; a means for generating an application program for a next stage process based on information from the client system; Means for transmitting the application program to a terminal in the physical factory that processes a next stage process item.