Ion Beam Specimen Machining with Real-Time Completion Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing specimen machining devices using ion beams for machining specimens are inefficient due to the lack of real-time monitoring and prediction of machining completion times, leading to increased user intervention and reduced operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A specimen machining device equipped with an ion source, specimen stage, camera, and information provision unit that calculates and updates the expected machining completion time based on past machining information and real-time image analysis, allowing for accurate and timely prediction of completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If ion beam machining is performed without real-time monitoring, then the device structure remains simple, but the user must frequently check the device status and the operational efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where images captured during ion beam machining are analyzed to calculate machining speed, which then feeds back to update the expected completion time. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time monitoring without requiring complex structural modifications, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image analysis system as an intermediary between the ion beam machining process and the user. Instead of directly monitoring complex machining parameters, the system uses captured images as an intermediate medium to infer machining progress and calculate completion time, simplifying the monitoring mechanism while enhancing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the expected machining completion time is not provided in advance, then the device operates without prediction capabilities, but the user cannot make informed decisions and must intervene frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser intervention frequencyVSAvoidmachining completion information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent calculates and provides the expected machining completion time in advance based on past machining information before the actual machining completes. This preliminary action gives users ahead-of-time information about when machining will finish, enabling informed decision-making and reducing the need for frequent user intervention during the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The expected completion time is not static but dynamically updated during machining based on real-time image analysis and calculated machining speed. This dynamic adjustment ensures the information remains accurate throughout the process while continuously reducing user uncertainty and intervention needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If real-time image analysis is performed to calculate machining speed, then the machining completion time prediction becomes accurate, but the processing time and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachining speed measurement accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs image analysis at strategically selected moments during machining rather than continuously analyzing every frame. This partial action approach maintains sufficient measurement precision for accurate completion time prediction while significantly reducing computational load and processing time compared to continuous analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive 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 device provides accurate and timely prediction of machining completion times, reducing user intervention and improving operational efficiency by enabling informed decision-making and automatic adjustment of machining conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a specimen machining device for machining a specimen by irradiating the specimen with an ion beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon beam: Ion Beam

Data Source

PatentUS11837437B2Specimen machining device and information provision method

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 JEOL LTD

AI summary

A specimen machining device for machining a specimen by irradiating the specimen with an ion beam includes an ion source for irradiating the specimen with the ion beam, a specimen stage for holding the specimen, a camera for photographing the specimen, an information provision unit for providing information indicating an expected machining completion time, and a storage unit for storing past machining information. The information provision unit performs processing for calculating the expected machining completion time based on the past machining information, processing for acquiring an image photographed by the camera, processing for calculating a machining speed based on the acquired image, and processing for updating the expected machining completion time based on the machining speed.