Hybrid Micro-Assembly Control for Latency-Aware Position Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current micro- and nano-particle manipulation techniques face limitations in accuracy and efficiency due to control loop latency and the inability of physics-based models to account for dynamic changes in manipulation conditions, such as particle rotation and stiction, which affect the precise positioning of micro-objects.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid model combining physics-based and machine-learning models using gradient boosting is employed to predict the position of micro-objects, accounting for both deterministic and stochastic components, thereby improving accuracy and throughput by incorporating residual calculations and loss function selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physics-based models are used to predict particle position, then the model is interpretable and based on known physical characteristics, but the model cannot easily account for dynamic changes in control latency during particle manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to dynamic changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines physics-based models with machine learning models into a hybrid model. The physics-based model provides interpretable predictions based on known physical characteristics, while the machine learning model learns to correct for dynamic changes in control latency that the physics-based model cannot capture. This merging allows the system to maintain both interpretability and adaptability to dynamic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If control loop latency is not accounted for, then the system is simpler to implement, but the accuracy of predicting actual particle position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition prediction accuracyVSAvoidmodel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a machine learning model as an intermediary between the physics-based model and the actual particle position prediction. This intermediary learns the complex, dynamic relationships in control latency without requiring explicit modeling of all the complex temporal dependencies, thereby improving accuracy without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If traditional control systems are used without hybrid modeling, then the system is easier to implement, but the throughput and accuracy of micro-assembly deteriorate due to control loop latency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicro-assembly throughputVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using the hybrid model to predict particle positions in advance, accounting for control loop latency before the actual manipulation occurs. This allows the control system to compensate for delays proactively, improving throughput and accuracy without requiring complete redesign of the control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The hybrid model enhances the accuracy and efficiency of micro-assembly by effectively accounting for control loop latency and dynamic changes, leading to more precise positioning of micro-objects and improved system performance.

Implementation Method 1

A lot of the techniques for use in micro- and nano-particle manipulation use electrodes to generate electrode potential to move the particles of interest towards a desired direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS20240036534A1System and method for hybrid-model-based micro-assembly control with the aid of a digital computer
Publication Date: 2024.02.01 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC
  • US20240036534A1 patent drawing
  • US20240036534A1 patent drawing
  • US20240036534A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Control loop latency can be accounted for in predicting positions of micro-objects being moved by using a hybrid model that includes both at least one physics-based model and machine-learning models. The models are combined using gradient boosting, with a model created during at least one of the stages being fitted based on residuals calculated during a previous stage based on comparison to training data. The loss function for each stage is selected based on the model being created. The hybrid model is evaluated with data extrapolated and interpolated from the training data to prevent overfitting and ensure the hybrid model has sufficient predictive ability. By including both physics-based and machine-learning models, the hybrid model can account for both deterministic and stochastic components involved in the movement of the micro-objects, thus increasing the accuracy and throughput of the micro-assembly.