Analysis Apparatus Self-Diagnostics During Non-Observation Periods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for monitoring and maintaining analysis apparatuses only share information without analyzing or examining it, leading to inefficient maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A monitoring method and apparatus that acquire self-diagnostic data during periods when the analysis apparatus is not observing a target object, allowing for easy maintenance by diagnosing the apparatus state and outputting a diagnostic result.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If self-diagnostic data is acquired during observation execution, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but observation result accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidobservation result accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the operational time of the analysis apparatus into distinct periods: observation execution periods and non-execution periods. Self-diagnostic data acquisition is specifically scheduled to occur during non-execution periods, thereby separating the diagnostic function from the observation function to avoid interference while maintaining both objectives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by acquiring self-diagnostic data in advance during non-execution periods before the observation process begins. This allows maintenance diagnostics to be performed proactively without interrupting or affecting the actual observation measurements, ensuring both maintenance efficiency and observation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If continuous monitoring is implemented, then state grasping accuracy is improved, but operation safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestate grasping accuracyVSAvoidoperation safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by scheduling self-diagnostic data acquisition during specific non-execution periods rather than continuously. This periodic monitoring approach provides sufficient state information for accurate grasping while avoiding continuous intervention that could compromise operation safety or interfere with ongoing observations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the self-diagnostic data acquisition function from the continuous operation flow and isolates it to specific non-execution periods. This separation allows comprehensive state monitoring without the harmful effects of continuous monitoring during active observation, thus maintaining both accuracy and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If self-diagnostic data acquisition is automated, then maintenance ease is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance easeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the analysis apparatus to automatically acquire its own self-diagnostic data during non-execution periods without requiring external intervention. The system autonomously performs maintenance diagnostics, simplifying the maintenance process for users while the automated control logic manages the increased system complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4592683A1Monitoring method, monitoring program, and monitoring apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP4592683A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4592683A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4592683A1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

A monitoring method for monitoring an analysis apparatus (10) configured to observe a target object includes acquiring self-diagnostic data on the analysis apparatus (10) outside an observation period of the target object by the analysis apparatus (10), diagnosing the state of the analysis apparatus (10) based on the self-diagnostic data, and outputting a diagnostic result of the state of the analysis apparatus (10).