Manufacturing Condition Optimization Using Divided-Product Quality Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for finding suitable manufacturing conditions for products, such as endoscope flexible tubes, are inefficient and costly, requiring numerous prototypes and relying on trial and error. Additionally, machine learning models specialized for one type of product cannot be applied to other types, limiting their general-purpose applicability.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that uses a machine learning model to predict the quality of divided portions of a product based on input manufacturing conditions. The apparatus derives suitable manufacturing conditions by solving an optimization problem that minimizes the difference between predicted and target quality values, while incorporating regularization terms to ensure smooth manufacturing conditions across the product.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a machine learning model is specialized for one type of product, then the prediction accuracy for that specific product is improved, but the general-purpose applicability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidgeneral-purpose applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a machine learning model that can handle multiple product types through standardized preprocessing. The system divides different products into comparable segments and uses unified processing procedures, allowing the same model architecture to serve multiple functions across different product types while maintaining prediction accuracy for each specific product

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the division granularity and processing parameters based on product characteristics. The system dynamically modifies segmentation parameters and processing depth to adapt to different product types, enabling the model to maintain high prediction accuracy across diverse products without requiring separate specialized models for each product type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If traditional trial and error methods are used to search for suitable manufacturing conditions, then the model can be simple, but the work and cost required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel complexityVSAvoidwork and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing automated preprocessing including division of product data, extraction of relevant features, and initial parameter optimization before the actual prediction task. This preliminary preparation work automates what would otherwise require manual trial and error, reducing both time and cost while keeping the core model relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error process with an automated computational system that performs preprocessing, feature extraction, and optimization algorithms. This substitution eliminates the need for physical prototyping and manual testing, dramatically reducing work and cost while maintaining model simplicity through automated rather than complex manual procedures

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

Data Source

PatentUS20250189955A1Information processing apparatus, operation method of information processing apparatus, and operation program of information processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.06.12 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US20250189955A1 patent drawing
  • US20250189955A1 patent drawing
  • US20250189955A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor, in which the processor uses a machine learning model that outputs a prediction value of quality of a divided portion obtained by dividing an entire product in response to input of a manufacturing condition of the divided portion, inputs the manufacturing condition of the divided portion to the machine learning model and outputs the prediction value of the divided portion from the machine learning model, and derives a suitable manufacturing condition under which quality of the entire product reaches a target value by solving an optimization problem seeking a manufacturing condition under which a value of an objective function having a term including a difference between the prediction value of the divided portion and a target value of the quality of the divided portion is minimized.