Remote Machine Tool Accuracy Correction Using Measurement Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques cannot perform remote maintenance of machine tools based on measurement data, limiting the ability to address operational accuracy issues from a distant location.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that acquires maintenance information, including measurement data and identification information from machine tools, calculates operation accuracy, and generates correction information to adjust machine tool parameters, enabling remote maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If maintenance is performed on-site at the machine tool location, then operational accuracy can be corrected, but travel time and cost are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational accuracyVSAvoidtravel time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the machine tool's measurement environment by acquiring measurement data from the machine tool and processing it through calculation units that simulate the maintenance expert's analysis. This allows the maintenance expert to perform accuracy correction remotely by working with copied measurement data rather than physically being present at the machine tool location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an information processing apparatus as an intermediary between the machine tool and the maintenance expert. This intermediary acquires measurement data from the machine tool, processes it through multiple calculation units, and generates correction information that is then transmitted back to the machine tool, eliminating the need for direct physical interaction between the expert and the machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If a maintenance expert visits the machine tool location, then accurate maintenance can be performed, but frequent travel is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance qualityVSAvoidtravel frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service maintenance by automatically acquiring measurement data from the machine tool, processing it through calculation units that determine operational accuracy, and generating correction information without requiring a maintenance expert to physically visit the site. The machine tool receives correction information automatically and can apply corrections autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical travel and on-site manual measurement with an automated information processing system. Instead of a maintenance expert traveling to the machine tool location to perform measurements and analysis, the system uses automated data acquisition, electronic processing, and digital correction information transmission to achieve the same maintenance objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple measurement units are used to improve measurement accuracy, then operational accuracy calculation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement and calculation process into multiple independent units: a first calculation unit that processes first measurement data, a second calculation unit that processes second measurement data, and a third calculation unit that integrates results from both. This segmentation allows each unit to focus on specific measurement aspects, improving overall measurement precision while keeping individual units relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines results from multiple independent calculation units through a third calculation unit that integrates the outputs. By merging the results of separate measurement and calculation processes, the system achieves higher overall measurement precision and more comprehensive operational accuracy assessment without requiring a single overly complex measurement device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12130607B2Information processing apparatus and method for remotely correcting movement of a machine tool on the basis of measurement data measured during a licensing period

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 DMG MORI CO LTD

AI summary

This invention provides an information processing apparatus that performs maintenance of a machine tool based on received measurement data. The information processing apparatus includes an acquirer that acquires maintenance information including measurement data by a measuring instrument attached to a machine tool and identification information of the machine tool, a calculator that calculates an operation accuracy of the machine tool using the acquired maintenance information, and a correction information generator that generates correction information of the machine tool based on a calculation result by the calculator.