bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Upper-Limb Power-Assist Machine Using Linkage Mechanism – Mechanism and its Fundamental Motion –
Authors: Inoue Hiroyuki ,   Tsuyama National College of Technology, 624-1 Numa, Tsuyama-shi, Okayama 708-8509, Japan, Noritsugu Toshiro
Published: April 2016

This paper proposes an upper-limb power-assist machine that is driven by a single actuator to reduce its weight and cost. The assist machine is intended for supporting shoulder and elbow movements during work in the field of viticulture. It consists of an arm part, a mounting part, and a drive part, the last of which contains an actuator and a worm gear. The arm part is equipped with a parallel link mechanism. In order to realize natural upper-limb motion, the length of the arm part is designed on the basis of human upper-limb motion. The assist machine is controlled by user intention through the use of bending sensors attached to the input device. The assistance effectiveness of the proposed assist machine is verified experimentally by measuring the EMG signals of the deltoid, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii muscles.
Motion Analysis of a Manta Robot for Underwater Exploration by Propulsive Experiments and the Design of Central Pattern Generator
Authors: Ikeda Masaaki ,   Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama, Japan, Hikasa Shigeki , Watanabe Keigo , Nagai Isaku
Published: April 2016

Although, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) used for investigating underwater ecology have attracted the attention of underwater researchers, conventional AUVs moved underwater by screw propellers generate loud noise thatmay disturb the underwater environments and inhabitants to be observed. This paper discusses the development of an AUV that mimics the manta ray. Central Pattern Generators (CPGs) are also proposed to generate the motion of pectoral fins for Manta robot. The practicality of the robot is checked in underwater propulsion experiments, and the effectiveness of the proposed motion generation method is demonstrated in numerical simulations.
Special Issue on CAD, CAM, and Digital Engineering
Authors: Kanai Satoshi , Shirase Keiichi
Published: April 2016

Advanced products demand advanced CAD, CAM, and digital engineering systems. This is the main consideration in this special issue. It is well understood by all manufacturers nowadays that CAD, CAM, and digital engineering systems behave as “Hidden factories” of engineering information processing and are indispensable to the accomplishment of their daily tasks. No products can be planned, designed, machined, and assembled without these hidden factories. The history of CAD/CAM goes back nearly five decades, yet the technologies are still immature: a lot of technical issues remain to be solved because new materials and structures have been introduced in products, new manufacturing technologies have been utilized, and new social needs, such as the need for ”eco-X” or ”human-oriented” products, have grown along with the dramatic changes in society. New high-performance computing resources, such asWeb-based computing or GPUcomputing, have also become available for implementation in these systems. Thirteen technical papers in this issue tackle these challenges, proposing solutions from utilizing technologies, including computer-aided geometric design (CAGD), CAD, CAE, CAPP, and CAM, as well as novel human interfaces for these systems. Some of the papers, revised and extended in response to the editors’ invitations, are versions of works presented at the Asian Conference on Design and Digital Engineering 2012 (Niseko, Japan) and 2013 (Seoul, Korea). In addition, two well-organized review papers in this issue provide informative and comprehensive surveys of aesthetic curve and surface design in CAGD and knowledge structuring and logic reasoning in CAPP, respectively. They include rich lists of references which will help the readers to quickly gain an overview of the current status and future research directions of these fields. Finally, the editors sincerely thank all the authors and anonymous reviewers for their devoted work, as they made this special issue possible. We expect that it will encourage further research on advanced CAD, CAM, CAE, CAPP, and digital engineering systems.
Aesthetic Curves and Surfaces in Computer Aided Geometric Design
Authors: Miura Kenjiro T. ,   Shizuoka University, 3-5-1 Jouhoku, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 432-8561, Japan, Gobithaasan R. U. ,   University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
Published: April 2016

Aesthetic shapes are usually actualized as 3D objects represented by free-form surfaces. The main components used to achieve aesthetic surfaces are 2D and 3D curves, which are the elements most basic for determining the shapes and silhouettes of industrial products. Bézier, B-Spline and NURBS are types of flexible curves developed for various design intents. These curves, however produce complex curvature functions that may undermine the formulation of shape aesthetics. A viable solution to this problem is to formulate aesthetic curves and surfaces from well-defined curvatures to improve aesthetic design quality. This paper advocates formalizing aesthetic curve and surface theories to fill the gapmentioned above, which has existed since the 1970s. This paper begins by reviewing on fair curves and surfaces. It then extensively discusses on the technicalities of Log-Aesthetic (LA) curves and surfaces and touches on industrial design applications. These emerging LA curves have a high potential for being used as standards to generate, evaluate and reshape aesthetic curves and surfaces, thus revolutionizing efficiency in developing curve and shape aesthetics.
Improvement of Computational Efficiency in Flexible Computer-Aided Process Planning
Authors: Morinaga Eiji ,   Division of Materials and Manufacturing Science, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan, Hara Takuma , Joko Hiroki , Wakamatsu Hidefumi , Arai Eiji ,   Currently, Samsung R&D Institute Japan, Co., Ltd.
Published: April 2016

Process planning plays an important role as a bridge between product design and manufacturing. Computer-aided process planning (CAPP) has been a topic of discussion in this half century. The recent diversification in customers’ needs has been driving the development of agile manufacturing that can adapt to different manufacturing situations. CAPP should also be discussed from this point of view and, to this end, a set of flexible process planning methods have been proposed. Unlike conventional CAPP methods, these methods first generate all the feasible process plans. These are then evaluated, and then an optimal plan is selected. Therefore, it is possible to quickly provide an optimal new plan in the event of a change in the situation, by re-evaluating the plans against the new situation. However, these methods generally involve a large computational load, since the full search approach is taken to select an optimal plan. This study set out to reduce the computational load by formulating the selection process as a 0-1 integer programming problem that can now be solved thanks to recent developments in computer technology and solvers. Case studies have proven the efficacy of this method.
Using a Four-Dimensional Mesh Model to Represent a Tool Motion Trajectory in Five-Axis Machining
Authors: Kameyama Hirotaka ,   Hokkaido University, N14W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0814, Japan, Otomo Ikuru , Onosato Masahiko , Tanaka Fumiki ,   Currently, Toshiba Co. Ltd.
Published: April 2016

In the field of machining processes, three-Dimensional (3D) models are commonly used to simulate the motions of cutting tools and workpieces. However, it is difficult for 3D models to represent spatio-temporal changes in their shapes continuously and to a high degree of accuracy. The objective of this study is to represent the 5-axis cutting process of workpiece transformation explicitly using a spatio-temporal model, the “four-Dimensional (4D) mesh model.” Every 4D mesh model is defined with bounding tetrahedral cells, and can continuously represent spatio-temporal changes of shape, position and orientation. In this study, the five-axis cutting process is described using accumulated volumes of 4D mesh models. Accumulated volumes are total volumes determined by spaces through which the object has passed. The use of accumulated volumes enables us to record tool-swept volumes and material removal shapes. First, this report introduces a 4D mesh model and the development of a 4D mesh modeling system. Next, a method of representing accumulated volumes as 4D mesh models is proposed. Generated 4D models are observed as 3D models by means of cross-section extraction.
Development of Turning Machine Operation Interface that Uses Haptic Device
Authors: Oka Raiyo ,   Faculty of Informatics and Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Intelligent Systems, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofugaoka 1-5-1, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan, Morishige Koichi
Published: April 2016

This study aims to develop a turning system that uses a haptic device as a new operation interface to enable even beginners to operate a turning machine easily and safely. The haptic device is important because it can provide the user with sensations of physical force, such as shocks or vibrations, in the virtual space. These sensations of force function to guide the operator to suitable operation by limiting tool movement. In this study, a system is developed to teach, using the haptic device, the toolmovements in machining shapes in a virtual space. The tool movement that is taught is output as the movement of turning machine, and the actual machining is performed. In the our system, we have implemented a function that avoids interference between the tool and workpiece and limits the depth of cut in order to avoid excessive cutting. The usefulness of developed system is confirmed through machining experiments.
Methods to Measure Wire Deflection in Wire EDM Machining
Authors: Liang Jui-Fang ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 106, Taiwan, Liao Y. S.
Published: April 2016

It is well kown that the wire electrode is flexible and will lead to a big lag in wire EDM machining, especially in the middle area of the work-piece. Methods to measure the wire deflection when it passes through the work-piece are studied in this paper. It is found that there is discharge spark first at the upper and lower parts of the wire when it cuts to the edge of the work-piece. The discharge spark appears at the middle of the work-piece a few seconds later. Based on this result, a method coined Camera Picture Analysis (CPA) is proposed to estimate the wire deflection. Another method of cross section measurement by the CCD is proposed to make a cross reference with the CPA method. By applying these two methods, the wire deflection models can be established, and used for the corner cut control of wire-cut EDM to improve accuracy of the machined parts.
3-Step-Calibration of 3D Vision Measurement System Based-on Structured Light
Authors: Tang Rui-Yin ,   College of Electrical Engineering, Hebei United University, 46 Xinhua Road, Tangshan, 063009, China, Zeng Zhou-Mo , Sun Chang-Ku , Wang Peng ,   State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, P.R.China
Published: April 2016

In structured light 3D vision measurement system, calibration tasks are key steps. Aiming at a special application of line structured light measurement, namely computer hard-disk surface planeness measurement at a precision equipment manufacturing company in Singapore, and combining with the structured light measurement model, determined three calibration tasks of the system. The three calibrating tasks concluded: calibrating the camera parameters; calibrating the light plane pose and calibrating the movement pose. At the same time, according to the three calibration results, measured the computer hard disk, and reconstructed the 3D model of the computer hard disk. The experimental results show that, the whole system of three calibration process is simple and reliable, the method does not need any auxiliary adjustment and realize the measurement accuracy about 0.023 mm. The work laid the better foundation for hard disk planeness vision measurement.
Toward a Pattern Language for Eco-Business Design
Authors: Kondoh Shinsuke ,   National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-2-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8564, Japan, Komoto Hitoshi , Kishita Yusuke , Nakamura Nobuo ,   Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan,   a-Socca, Inc., 5-2 Higasyi-ashiya, Ashiya, Hyogo 659-0095, Japan
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study is to seek a pattern language in the domain of eco-business design. A pattern language is first proposed in the field of architecture. By using patterns as the basis for a shared agreement in a community, users and stakeholders in the community can design buildings and their surrounding environment in a cooperative manner. This paper first discusses key features of the language that enables a cooperative eco-business design among multiple stakeholders. It goes on to describe how to formulate the language by using a causal-loop diagram as well as rules that were established by analyzing 130 eco-business cases in Japan. A simplified case study is also provided to illustrate how to use the language.
Sensorless Tool Stiffness Monitoring in Buffing
Authors: Koike Ryo ,   Department of System Design Engineering, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan, Kumakura Ryo , Arai Takashi , Uchishiba Eishiro , Murakami Makoto , Sagara Takahisa , Kakinuma Yasuhiro ,   Yokohama Plant, Nikon Corporation, 471 Nagaodai-cho, Sakae-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 244-8533, Japan
Published: April 2016

In current practice, the buffing process required to finish the surface of mechanical parts is performed manually by a technical expert as it requires a delicate adjustment of the buffing force. The automation of this process is desirable in an effort to shorten the process time and reduce labor cost. To automate the buffing process, a beneficial process monitoring technique that supervises the buffing tool conditions in real time must be developed. From a practical perspective, an observer technique that does not require additional sensors would be most suitable for monitoring the tool operating condition. The authors propose a technique that estimates the buffing tool stiffness based on a disturbance observer. The validity of the proposed method as a buffing tool condition monitoring technique is verified through numerical simulations and experiments.
Solving Slug Pulling Problem Using High-Pressure Air Generated by a Compression Unit Installed Inside a Die Set
Authors: Gao Feng ,   Nishinippon Institute of Technology, 1-11 Aratsu, Kanda-Cho, Fukuoka-Ken 800-0394, Japan
Published: April 2016

A press die has a reciprocating motion with the movement of the press machine. There is a very strong force between the upper and lower die. Utilizing the reciprocating motion, the author’s laboratory developed a high-pressure air compression unit, which can be fixed inside a die set. The generated powerful air can successfully blow slugs that occur in punching from the die. Moreover, it can be used as an independent power source to perform auxiliary motions, such as material sheet feeding or second working on the products, during the pressing process. This study describes the development of the air compression unit; the experiment carried out to test slug removal; and provides the related reference data to promote the further deployment and application of this technology.
Detection of Motion Error Under Synchronous Two-Axis Control of a Dual Arm Robot Based on Monitoring of Ball Rolling Motion on a Plate
Authors: Wu Wei ,   Doshisha University, 1-3 Tataramiyakodani, Kyotanabe-shi, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan, Kinoshita Shun , Hirogaki Toshiki , Aoyama Eiichi
Published: April 2016

Dual-arm industrial robots have been gaining attention as novel tools in the field of new automation. We therefore focus on them to flexibly control both the linear motion and the rotational motion of a working plate. However, the difficulty of measuring the synchronous accuracy of two rotary axes without a highaccuracy gyro sensor has been a problem. We therefore propose a novel method of using a ball to measure the synchronous accuracy of two rotary axes of a working plate. The plate uses dual-arm cooperative control to keep the ball rolling in a circular path on it. In this report, we investigate the effects of the rolling friction coefficient of the ball on its sensitivity and resolution to estimate the synchronous accuracy of two rotary axes.
A Process Decision Making Strategy Based on Sustainability Evaluation
Authors: Ogawa Keiji ,   The University of Shiga Prefecture, 2500 Hassaka-cho, Hikone-shi, Shiga 522-8533, Japan, Hirogaki Toshiki , Melkote Shreyes N. , Ogawa Sachiko ,   Doshisha University, 1-3 Tatara Miyakodani, Kyotanabe-shi, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan,   Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0405, USA,   Shibaura Institute of Technology, 3-7-5 Toyosu, Koto, Tokyo 135-8548, Japan
Published: April 2016

This paper describes an approach achieving process design based on sustainability evaluation by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The case study focuses on quenching steel products, which was evaluated by comparing laser quenching to conventional furnace quenching based on the proposed approach. We found that the break-even point depends on production volume as one of product features. The proposed approach shows promise as a strategy for decision making in process design.
A Method for Using a Virtual Machining Simulation to Consider Both Equivalent CO2Emissions and Machining Costs in Determining Cutting Conditions
Authors: Narita Hirohisa ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Meijo University
Published: April 2016

An evaluation system for calculating equivalent CO2emissions and machining costs is developed using an activity-based model. The system can evaluate a machining process from an NC program, workpiece information, and cutting tool information, and it can then calculate accurate equivalent CO2emissions and the machining cost. The cutting speed of an end mill operation is evaluated in terms of the equivalent CO2emission and the machining cost. Based on the results, optimal cutting conditions are determined to minimize the equivalent CO2emissions and the machining cost to the extent possible.
Special Issue on Production Planning and Scheduling
Authors: Sugimura Nobuhiro , Iwamura Koji , Maeda Tomohiko
Published: April 2016

This issue focuses on production planning and scheduling for production system and the related problems that have arisen in these areas in the last half century as digital computer systems developed. These problems relate to production management, production planning, shop floor control, product design and process planning. In the first stage of production planning and scheduling systems R&D, optimization is a key issue that has been widely discussed and many theories and optimization algorithms proposed. Rule-based methods are discussed as potential solutions to these problems. With rapid advances in computer and information processing technologies and performance, tremendous progress has been made in the areas of production systems such as production planning, production scheduling, advances production systems (APS), enterprise resource planning (ERP), just-in time (JIT) processes, the theory of constraint (TOC), product data management (PDM) and computer-aided design / manufacturing / engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE). This special issue addresses the latest research advances, applications, and case studies in production planning and scheduling covering such as decentralized and autonomous production systems, distributed simulation models, robust capacity planning models, wireless sensor networks for production systems and applications to automotive component and steel production. We hope that learning about these advances will enable readers to share their own experience and knowledge in technology, new developments and the potential applications of production planning and scheduling methods and solutions.
A Novel Algorithm for Continuous Steel Casting Scheduling with Focus on Quality Property Constraint and Slab Width Maximization
Authors: Ogata Taiki ,   Reseaerch into Artifacts, Center for Engineering, The University  of Tokyo, Okubo Tsuyoshi , Nagai Hidetoshi , Yamamoto Masashi , Sugi Masao , Ota Jun ,   Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan,   NS Solutions Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan,   The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo, Japan
Published: April 2016

This paper proposes a solution for casting scheduling, an important process in steel manufacturing. A constraint due to secular changes in quality properties, including slab property degradation in casting, and problems with evaluation indices for slab casting width for the improvement of productivity, are taken into account in the study. These factors have not been focused on in previous studies. In this study, the casting scheduling problem is divided into two. One problem involves determining a schedule frame for each slab, and the other is the problem of determining the slab width. To be more specific, after an initial solution for slab order is reached based on heuristics with the quality property constraint taken into account, a hierarchical solving method of determining the slab width is employed in accordance with the shortest path problem-solving method, and obtained solutions are improved using a simulated annealing technique. The simulation is performed with the data created from actual operation data and an initial solution that satisfies the constraint is derived. An improved solution is then obtained using the solution search technique.
A Synchronization Mechanism with Shared Storage Model for Distributed Manufacturing Simulation Systems
Authors: Hibino Hironori ,   Tokyo University of Science, Fukuda Yoshiro , Yura Yoshiyuki ,   Hosei University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan,   Shimiz Co., Chuo, Tokyo, Japan
Published: April 2016

Simulators play important roles in the designing of new acturing systems. As manufacturing systems are being created on larger and more complicated scales than ever before, it is increasingly necessary to have opportunities for several persons to design a manufacturing system concurrently. In this case, the designers often use suitable discrete event simulators to evaluate their assigned subsystems. After the subsystems are evaluated, it is necessary to evaluate the full system. To do this, the designers need to make the manufacturing system model by synchronizing several different simulators. In such distributed simulation systems using discrete event simulators, it is important to manage a distributed simulation clock and each simulator clock as well as to define interfaces among the simulation models. With the simulation clock, it is often necessary to perform rollbacks. The rollback function returns the simulation clock to a past time in order to synchronize events among the simulations. However, most commercially available simulators do not include the rollback function.

The purpose of this research is to develop a distributed simulation synchronization method that includes a function for managing distributed simulation clocks without the rollback function and for managing interfaces among simulation models.

In this paper, we propose a storage model concept as the method. We develop an algorithm to implement the proposed concept, and we develop a distributed simulation system configuration using HLA. A case study is then carried out to evaluate the performance of the cooperative work.
Calibration of Double Priority Camera Based on Circle Planar Target
Authors: Tang Rui-Yin ,   College of Electrical Engineering, Hebei United University, He Hong-Kun , Zeng Zhou-Mo , Gao Feng ,   State Key Laboratory of Precision Measuring Technology and Instruments, Tianjin University,   corresponding author
Published: April 2016

After the advantages and disadvantages of current methods of calibration are analyzed and contrasted, the comparatively widely applied Zhang Zhengyou calibration method is adopted in this paper, but it is used to solve problems in a different way. The calibration of a double-priority camera on the basis of a round planar target is proposed, and a computation method based on the on-line intersection of the two circles with the closest proximity is put forward to fix the center of a circle. This method of calibration is simple and flexible, with good robustness, precision, and practical value.
Effects of Fiber Orientation Direction on Tool-Wear Processes in Down-Milling of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Laminates
Authors: Maegawa Satoru ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Morikawa Yuta , Hayakawa Shinya , Itoigawa Fumihiro , Nakamura Takashi
Published: April 2016

This paper discusses tool-wear processes in the milling of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminates. Plane down-milling tests with unidirectional and cross-directional CFRP laminates were performed using two types of cutting tools made of tungsten carbide and polycrystalline diamond. Measurements of the changes in the cutting forces and tool-wear widths over the cutting distance revealed that the fiber orientation direction in the CFRP laminates relative to the tool-traveling direction is an important parameter to determine the tool-wear processes. Additionally, based on obtained experimental results, a wear parameter to characterize cutting tool wear is introduced. This parameter can accurately explain the relationship between the worn tool-edge profiles and the processed-surface quality.
Wear Behavior of Grain Cutting Edge in Ultrasonic Assisted Grinding Using Mini-Size Wheel
Authors: Fujimoto Masakazu ,   Department of Machine Intelligence and Systems Engineering, Akita Prefectural University, Wu Yongbo , Nomura Mitsuyoshi , Kanai Hidenari , Jin Masahiko ,   industria Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nippon Institute of Technology, Saitama, Japan
Published: April 2016

This paper deals with the wear behavior of the mini-size diamond wheel used in Ultrasonic Assisted Grinding (UAG). The aim is to understand the wheel wear behavior. Sequential changes of the surface topography of the mini-size wheel, such as the number and shape of grains of the cutting edge, during the on-surface UAG process were observed and evaluated quantitatively using a Scanning Electron Microscope with four electron probes (3D-SEM). The obtained results show that a good wheel surface is maintained during the UAG process compared with the Conventional Grinding (CG) process. In particular, a number of sharp grain cutting edges are larger in the UAG process than those of the CG process. Additionally, these results are closely related to the stability of grinding forces and the reduction of the finished workpiece surface.
Determination of Aspect Ratio Limitations, Accuracy and Repeatability of a Laser Line Scanning CMM Probe
Authors: Boeckmans Bart ,   Department Mechanical Engineering, Division Production Engineering, Machine Design and Automation, KU Leuven, Zhang Min , Welkenhuyzen Frank , Kruth Jean-Pierre ,   Beijing Engineering Research Center of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments,
Published: April 2016

Coordinate measurement machine (CMM) probing techniques can involve direct mechanical contact (e.g., tactile probing) or diverse non-contact principles (e.g., laser line scan probing). For some applications, contact methods are not capable of measuring fast enough to ensure 100% quality controlled parts. A laser line scanning probe uses a laser triangulation-based method to acquire 3D measurement points on a workpiece relative to a sensor. Mounting the sensor in a 3D coordinate frame, e.g., in a CMM provides enough information to fully examine the workpiece. These techniques are most commonly exploited in medical industry and industries involving plate materials. A high data density and measurement speed are significant advantages when measuring free-form surfaces by laser line scanning, making the process much more time-efficient. However, high-precision geometrical features (such as cylinders, spheres, etc.) must be measured for locating and aligning the free-form shapes. The accuracy of the equipment therefore has to be assessed. Probe Maximum Permissible Error (MPEP) values below 10μm have been reported for cutting-edge laser line scanners. This paper compares the major influences on measurements on cylindrical features. First, the aspect-ratio limitations are considered by comparing two inherently different techniques. The stable inspection of reference features is important, while trying to maximize the spatial extent of the measured features. Second, the measurement method is analyzed in two ways: by using a limited sample of the features to increase stability and eliminate interference from neighboring features; by varying the number of scan tracks, which greatly affects the measurement time.
Simple Interim Check of Measuring Performance for X-Ray Computed Tomography Used as Coordinate Measuring System
Authors: Sato Osamu ,   National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Osawa Sonko , Abe Makoto , Takatsuji Toshiyuki
Published: April 2016

Form and dimension measurements using X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) are useful in product development, reverse engineering, production control and quality certification. This is because X-ray CT systems can get three-dimensional 3D volumetric data on the full body of the target object all at once. The measurement space of 3D coordinate measuring systems (CMSs), which include X-ray CTs, are distorted by kinematic and other factors. This means that measurement space deformation should be compensated for precise dimensional measurement. The compensation function should also be occasionally checked. For the widely-used coordinate measuring machine (CMM), the mobile frame is stable over a long period, making it unnecessary to check whether the compensation function works well or not on the CMM. The mobile frame of the X-ray CT is less stable than that of a CMM, so the space deformation compensation function on X-ray CTs should be checked more often than that on CMMs to perform precise dimensional measurement using X-ray CTs. We propose a simple interim check method for an X-ray CT that is through repeated checking, assesses the long-term stability of the mobile frame of the X-ray CT.
Efficient Fabrication Process of Metal Nanodot Arrays Using Direct Nanoimprinting Method with a Polymer Mold
Authors: Potejanasak Potejana ,   Department of Mechanical and Control Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yoshino Masahiko , Terano Motoki , Mita Masahiro ,   Kyodo International Inc.
Published: April 2016

A new fabrication process of metal nanodot arrays using the thermal dewetting method was developed in this study. This process was comprised of three steps: thin Au film deposition on a quartz glass substrate, groove patterning by direct nanoimprinting, and self-organization of metal nanodot arrays by thermal dewetting. A new idea to utilize a polymer film mold for groove patterning by direct nanoimprinting was examined. The polymer film mold was prepared by hot-embossing groove patterns of a mother mold on a cyclo olefin polymer (COP) film. The mother mold was prepared from a silicon wafer. The polymer film mold was used for direct nanoimprinting on a metal film deposited on a quartz substrate. The experimental results revealed that the COP film mold can effectively form a micro groove pattern on the Au film despite the COP film mold being softer than the Au film. The micro groove on the Au film was also found to be effective in aligning the nanodots in lines. The micro groove patterning using the COP film mold was also confirmed to be useful in controlling the dot size and alignment during the thermal dewetting process.
Reverse Lift-Off Process and Application for Cu-Zr-Ti Metallic Glass Thick Film Structures
Authors: Watanabe Shigetaka ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Sakurai Junpei , Mizoshiri Mizue , Hata Seiichi
Published: April 2016

In technologies involving micro electromechanical systems, lift-off processes combined with sputter deposition are general patterning methods for the formation of amorphous alloy thick film structures. However, the thicknesses of structures fabricated in this manner are not uniform because sputtered particles are blocked by the sidewalls of the lift-off layer. In this paper, a reverse lift-off process is proposed as a new patterning method for fabricating amorphous alloy thick film structures of uniform thickness. In the reverse lift-off process, a template of the desired structure is formed on top of the chosen substrate. The thick film structure is then formed by sputter deposition on the top surface of the template. In contrast to a conventional lift-off process, here the thickness of the structure is uniform because there is nothing to hinder the sputtered particles. To demonstrate this process, we successfully fabricated a Cu-Zr-Ti metallic glass thick film structure with a uniform film thickness and a rectangular cross section across different target structure widths and thicknesses. This demonstrates that the reverse lift-off process is more suitable than conventional lift-off processes for the fabrication of metallic glass thick film structures.
Mini Special Issue on Machine Tool Structure and its Design Optimization
Authors: Shinno Hidenori
Published: April 2016

Demands for machine tools that are highly accurate, productive, flexible, and compact have been growing in the aerospace, automotive, energy, factory automation, and other industries. Rationally meeting these severe, complex requirements has led to numerous research and development activities involving machine tools. Few machine tool technologies have been established, however, despite the machine tool industry’s long history. Within the next several years, the rapid change and enlargement of the

This mini special issue on machine tool structure and its design optimization features 8 papers classified under the following themes:

- Enhancing high static and dynamic rigidity

- Minimizing and optimizing thermal deformation

- Proposing new structural analysis methods for machine tools

- Selecting and applying new structural materials to the machinetool structure

- Applying new structural designs and mechanisms

These papers present new design concepts, design methods, and innovative examples in machine tool development. I believe that successfully combining these core technologies will provide machine tool compatible with future manufacturing environments.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the authors and reviewers for their interesting and dedicated contributions to this special issue.
Identifying the Benefits of Fiber Reinforced Plastics for Their Use in Machine Tool Structures
Authors: Fischbach Conrad W. P. ,   Institute for Machine Tools and Industrial Management (iwb), Technische Universitaet, Zaeh Michael F. , Mair Martin
Published: April 2016

Machine tool structures are usually caught in the dichotomies of mass, static rigidity, working area, and dynamic rigidity. This dichotomies are mainly dependent on the mass specific stiffness of the structure material. Fiber reinforced plastics can offer a significantly higher mass specific stiffness than steel can and are therefore able to mollify this dichotomies for machine tool structures. The challenge the machine tool industry faces, though, is the high price of those suitable fiber reinforced plastics, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastics. The price is significantly higher compared to steel components, and it is not clear in which cases or to what extent the simplified equation can generate overall financial benefits. This paper proposes a systematic approach to analyzing criteria and deciding when fiber reinforced plastics can generate added value. Then, a value creation model is derived from the technological performance enhancement that mollified dichotomies can achieve. A simplified example shows how the specific value created by material substitution in a machine component can be extracted using a flexible, multi body method of analysis.
Special Issue on Texturing Processes and Attainable Functionalities
Authors: Moronuki Nobuyuki
Published: April 2016

Regular micro/nanostructures or textures provide such functions as optical or friction properties, but neither texture design nor the texturing process has been well developed. Functional texture is often inspired by natural designs, with the microstructure on the surface of lotus leaves or the nanostructure on the bottoms of geckos’ feet often cited as examples. “Biomimetic” has become a keyword in state-of-the-art technologies. Processes are also important because functional textures require a wide range of structural dimensions, from nanometers to micrometers. Top-down processes such as cutting or energy beam processing are often used and are based on the copying principle. Bottom-up processes include the self-assembly of particles and the anodic oxidation of aluminum. As the principle behind bottom-up processes is completely different from that behind top-down processes, special attention is warranted. Furthermore, material deposition can effect drastic changes in surface functionality. This special issue features nine papers, including eight studies and one review paper, classified into the following topics:

- Biomimetic design of functions

- Top-down or cutting texturing processes

- Bottom-up or self-organization texturing processes

- Measurement system for textures

- Optical applications

- Optical applications

- Adhesive applications

- Biomedical applications

These papers present the latest advances in texturing processes, functional design, and realization or demonstration. Learning more about these advances will enable readers toshare their knowledge and experience in technologies, development, and potential texturing applications. In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the authors and reviewers for their interesting and enlightening contributions to this special issue.
Surface Texturing in Micro Parametric Machining
Authors: Matsumura Takashi ,   Tokyo Denki University, Hayase Yasuharu , Blanchet Jerome , Iioka Naoki , Kato Ryo
Published: April 2016

Parametric machining is applied to fabricate micro-scale textures on surfaces by rotating the workpiece and tool. Periodic circular textures are controlled by only four parameters: the distance from the rotation center of the workpiece to that of the tool holder, the rotation radius of the tool in the tool holder, and the angular velocities of the workpiece and the tool holder. The textures to be machined are controlled by simulating the trajectory of the tool on the workpiece. A texturing machine was developed with two servomotors and three stepping motors, where the rotations of the servomotors were synchronized. Some examples are shown to verify the presented texturing in cutting tests. Because functional surfaces should be controlled by the surface structure, a model is presented to simulate the surface profiles of the textures. The orientation of the cutting tool with respect to the cutting direction is discussed in terms of the surface structure and the surface finish. The cutting load is estimated with the indentation and the shearing components in a simplified force model.
Nano Texturing and Self-Organization Process for Development of Optical Functional Surface
Authors: Yoshino Masahiko ,   Tokyo Institute of Technology, Ueno Takayuki , Terano Motoki
Published: April 2016

A new fabrication process for an optical resonator is developed by means of a combination of surface texturing using nano plastic forming and self-organization using thermal dewetting. Process conditions are optimized to fabricate an optical resonator that has a double-layer Au nanorod array. The nanorods are 450 nm in length and 150 nm in width. The extinction spectrum of the double-layer nanorod array is measured to evaluate its optical characteristics. It is found that the measured extinction peak corresponds to the theoretical resonant wavelength of a parallel nanorod resonator. It is expected that the developed double-layer nanorod array can be utilized to generate the negative refractive index of metamaterial.
Integrating CAD, TRIZ, and Customer Needs
Authors: Ullah A. M. M. Sharif ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kitami Institute of Technology, Sato Michihiro , Watanabe Michiko , Rashid Md. Mamunur ,   ,,   Bangladesh Institute of Management
Published: April 2016

This study addresses the integration of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ), and Customer Needs for the sake of product development. TRIZ can generate plausible product alternatives, while CAD can produce the digital data for those alternatives. Thus, the TRIZ-CAD outcomes can be organized to produce a questionnaire. When the questionnaire is disclosed to potential customers (respondents), the individual preferences of the respondents can be obtained. However, aggregating the diverse preferences of all respondents and making decisive conclusions based on these is difficult. In this study, we introduce statements regarding the nine fundamental human needs (subsistence, protection, affection, understanding, participation, leisure, creation, identity, and freedom) and TRIZ-CAD outcomes in a questionnaire. As the respondent is human, the product exemplified by the TRIZ-CAD outcomes should fulfill one or more of the fundamental human need. Responses regarding statements of the nine fundamental human needs can be used to aggregate the diverse opinions of all respondents and thereby make a decisive conclusion. We have shown the effectiveness of the abovementioned approach by using a product development case in which the problem is the determination of a car's external shape. Field data is discussed showing the applicability of the proposed approach.
Anisotropic Stiffness Design for Mechanical Parts Fabricated by Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Tateno Toshitake ,   Meiji University,   ,
Published: April 2016

Stiffness is an important property of mechanical structures, particularly when it is necessary for a structure to contact other structures while in motion. In this study, we employed the advantages of additive manufacturing (AM) technology to create a multi-material structure and to investigate its stiffness properties. Herein, we also present an analytical model for designing a mechanical structure consisting of two-material, single-beam units, which was verified using a finite element simulation in our study. As an example, a two-material structure with the desired stiffness was fabricated using commercially available AM technology and employing both a soft material (natural rubber) and a hard material (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, ABS).
Geometry Optimisation for 2D Cutting: A Quadratic Programming Approach
Authors: Sellmann Florian ,   Institute for Machine Tools and Manufacturing, Haas Titus , Nguyen Hop , Weikert Sascha , Wegener Konrad ,   ,
Published: April 2016

A novel approach to geometry optimisation in the field of 2D cutting is presented in this paper. Set point generation inside of state of the art CNCs is divided in the preparation of the geometry and the feed rate generation. The feed rate generation is influenced by parametric derivatives of the given geometry. Due to this fact, the shaping of a B-Spline is carried out by optimisation of the weighted sum of parametric derivatives while the given manufacturing tolerances are maintained. For the sake of robustness, the arising optimisation problem is formulated as a quadratic program with linear constraints, one which can be solved with great efficiency by using an interior point method. In contrast to state of the art methods, the discrete formulation of the problem allows for a pointwise specification of the manufacturing tolerance. Depending on the manufacturing process, the given manufacturing tolerance is shared by different axes, which is shown for a 2D cutting geometry. An application example shows that the geometry optimisation leads to an increase in machining productivity over state of the art methods.
An Efficient Method for Extracting Fuzzy Classification Rules from High Dimensional Data
Authors: Chin Stephen L. ,   Rockwell Science Center, 1049 Camino Dos Rios Thousand Oaks, California 91360, USA
Published: April 2016

We present an efficient method for extracting fuzzy classification rules from high dimensional data. A cluster estimation method called subtractive clustering is used to efficiently extract rules from a high dimensional feature space. A complementary search method can quickly identify the important input features from the resultant high dimensional fuzzy classifier, and thus provides the ability to quickly generate a simpler, more robust fuzzy classifier that uses a minimal number of input features. These methods are illustrated through the benchmark iris data and through two aerospace applications.
Fuzzy Modeling based Approach to Facial Expressions Understanding
Authors: Ralescu Anca ,   ECE&CS Department, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, USA, Hartani Riad ,   Nortel-Entreprise Networks, Ottawa, Canada
Published: April 2016

We consider two problems related to the understanding of facial expressions: (I) modeling the perception of human facial expressions from information extracted from face photographs and (II) reasoning about the transition between facial expressions as modeled in (I). For (I) we develop a hierarchical fuzzy modeling method. The results obtained are satisfactory when compared with those of other approaches: for the six basic facial expressions (happiness, surprise, sadness, anger, disgust and fear), we achieve a recognition ratio of 85 %. More importantly, in addition to the usual advantages of fuzzy rules such as easy interpretation and adaptability in a changing environment, our approach can be applied without additional training to (i) the identification of mixed facial expressions - the recognition ratio of the two strongest facial expressions in the same face being about 75%, and (ii) the recognition in noisy environment (that is, our approach can successfully deal with lack of data). For (II) we propose a model for transition between facial expressions based on a hybrid reasoning scheme combining generalized modus tollens and fuzzy backward reasoning. Appropriate examples are used to illustrate our approach and we conclude with a discussion about future issues, and possible applications to an intelligent humancomputer interface using the transition model.
"Legal Expert" Project
Authors: Yoshino Hajime ,   Meiji Gakuin University, Faculty of Law, 1-2-37 Shirokanedai, Minatoku, Tokyo 108, Japan
Published: April 2016

Since 1992, about 30 Japanese lawyers and computer scientists have been intensively engaged in a project of systematizing and computerizing legal reasoning. This project is the Study of Development of a Legal Expert System - Exploration of Legal Knowledge Structure and Implementation of Legal Reasoning or, in short, the "Legal Expert" Project. In this paper, I would like to introduce the Legal Expert project, explaining the goals, study organizations and their tasks in constructing legal expert systems in Japan.