Case Adaptation in Case-Based Reasoning System for Back-Light Modules

Back-light module (BLM) is one of the critical components in TFT-LCD display. It provides homogeneous light source for the display. The utilization of case-based reasoning system (CBRS) in the design process greatly improves the productivity of the design engineers. When designing a new BLM, the engineer would retrieve the existing case with best fit to the customer's specifications. The retrieved design case needs to be adapted to the current specifications if no perfect match is found. The objective of this paper is to develop a case adaptation technology to assist product engineers in developing the new product after retrieval of existing case from CBRS. The first phase of the case-adaption technology development is to search for the most important factors affecting the final product performance. These factors are implemented in the attributes of the case-based reasoning system. The light guide plate is identified as the most critical component in the back-light module system in second phase of the development. This paper developed an empirical formula to assist the design engineers to adapt their design after the first design been measured as off the target specification. In most of the cases, the new suggested design parameters, suggested by the system based on the retrieved reference case and first adapted design developed by engineer, would successfully meet the specifications of customer.