Machine Learning Laser Diode Life Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser apparatus technologies fail to accurately predict the remaining life of laser diodes (LDs) under varying driving conditions, leading to inefficient allocation of driving currents and reduced lifespan, as they rely on simplistic methods that do not account for the complex interactions between driving current, temperature, humidity, and historical usage.

Innovation Solution

A machine learning apparatus that learns LD unit driving condition data, including prediction results of remaining life, to optimize driving current allocation and extend LD lifespan by analyzing output command data, optical output characteristics, and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional methods are used to determine LD life end based on threshold current, then the determination is simple, but quantitative remaining life cannot be derived

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of determinationVSAvoidquantitative remaining life prediction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the binary threshold-based life end determination into a continuous quantitative prediction by introducing multiple parameters (driving current, temperature, humidity, historical usage data) and using machine learning to predict remaining life as a continuous value rather than a simple pass/fail threshold check

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional simple threshold comparison method with a machine learning system that processes multiple input parameters through learned models to predict remaining life, substituting a complex intelligent system for a simple mechanical threshold check to achieve quantitative precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If standard driving conditions are assumed for life prediction, then the prediction method is straightforward, but accuracy decreases under varying driving conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestraightforwardness of prediction methodVSAvoidprediction accuracy under varying conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the life prediction system dynamic by continuously adapting to varying driving conditions through machine learning models that process real-time data on driving current, temperature, and humidity, allowing the prediction to adjust automatically as conditions change rather than relying on fixed standard conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where historical usage data and actual performance measurements are continuously fed back into the machine learning system to refine and update predictions, improving accuracy under varying conditions through iterative learning from actual operational data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If driving current is increased to maintain optical output, then the optical output is maintained, but the LD life is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical outputVSAvoidLD life
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by allocating driving current to individual LD units based on their specific remaining life predictions and current state, rather than uniformly increasing current to all units, thereby maintaining required optical output while minimizing stress on any single LD and extending overall system life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by treating each LD unit individually with customized current allocation based on its specific characteristics, usage history, and predicted remaining life, allowing optimal current distribution that maintains performance while extending life by addressing each unit's specific needs rather than applying a uniform approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10242325B2Machine learning apparatus, laser apparatus and machine learning method
Publication Date: 2019.03.26 FANUC LTD
  • US10242325B2 patent drawing
  • US10242325B2 patent drawing
  • US10242325B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A machine learning apparatus includes: a state amount observation unit that observes a state amount of a laser apparatus including output data from an optical output detection unit, an optical output characteristic recording unit that records history of a driving current and optical output characteristics, and a driving condition/state amount recording unit that records history of a LD unit driving condition data and the state amount; an operation result acquisition unit that acquires a prediction result of characteristics and measurement result of optical output characteristics of the LD unit; a learning unit that learns the LD unit driving condition data with the state amount and the results of the LD unit driving condition data; and a decision-making unit that decides, from a learning result, the LD unit driving condition data.