Operation Model Evaluation for Human-Guided Equipment Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for industrial equipment lack effective methods to optimize operations based on real-time data and human expertise, leading to suboptimal performance and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that integrates an operation model to recommend control parameters, performs learning processing using reinforcement learning, and evaluates the model based on both automated and human-operated results to improve equipment operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an operation model is used to automatically determine control parameters, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of human expertise integration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment operation efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an evaluation unit as an intermediary component that bridges the automated operation model and human expertise. The evaluation unit evaluates the operation model based on model evaluation values derived from actual equipment operation results, and this evaluation information is fed back to improve the model. This mediator ensures that automated control maintains reliability by continuously aligning with human expertise and actual performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the evaluation unit assesses the operation model using model evaluation values obtained from actual equipment operation. The evaluation results are used to improve the operation model, creating a closed-loop system that continuously enhances both productivity and reliability by incorporating real-world performance data and human expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If reinforcement learning is applied to optimize control parameters, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment operation optimizationVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automated learning processing where the operation model performs reinforcement learning using operation data acquired from actual equipment operation. The system automatically optimizes control parameters without requiring complex external intervention or manual tuning, thereby achieving manufacturing precision improvement while managing device complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing learning processing in advance to build an optimized operation model before actual equipment operation. The model is trained using historical operation data and reinforcement learning, so that when deployed, it can immediately provide optimized control parameters without requiring complex real-time adjustments during equipment operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If automated control is implemented, then loss of time is reduced, but loss of information occurs due to absence of human judgment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidhuman expertise
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses copying by creating an operation model that replicates human operation expertise. The model is trained using operation data that captures human judgment and decision-making patterns. This copy of human expertise enables automated control to respond quickly without losing the nuanced information contained in human judgment, as the model has learned from and replicated human operational knowledge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation unit provides feedback that prevents loss of information by continuously assessing whether the operation model's decisions align with human expertise. The model evaluation values are derived from actual equipment operation results, ensuring that the automated system maintains access to human judgment information while achieving fast response times through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12530004B2Apparatus, method, and computer readable medium
Publication Date: 2026.01.20 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • US12530004B2 patent drawing
  • US12530004B2 patent drawing
  • US12530004B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is an apparatus including a supply unit suppling a value of a state parameter to an operation model outputting a recommendation value of a control parameter of a piece of equipment in response to a value of a state parameter relating to the piece of equipment being input; a control parameter acquisition unit acquiring a recommendation value of a control parameter output from the operation model in response to the supply unit supplying a value of a state parameter to the operation model; an acquisition unit acquiring a model evaluation value corresponding to a result of having operated the piece of equipment according to the recommendation value acquired by the control parameter acquisition unit; and an evaluation unit evaluating the operation model, based on the model evaluation value and a reference evaluation value corresponding to a result of having operated the piece of equipment through manipulation by a human.