Fluid analysis method, fluid analysis system, and fluid analysis server

Abstract

To provide a fluid analysis method, a fluid analysis system, and a fluid analysis server available for designing layout of air conditioners.SOLUTION: A fluid analysis method available for designing layout of air conditioners includes the steps of: receiving, via a terminal device, user input data including air-conditioner specification information of an air conditioner, installation position information of the air conditioner, and layout information regarding a room in which the air conditioner is installed; executing input assistance processing for complementing, converting or inspecting the user input data to generate analysis data; executing fluid analysis on an airflow blowing from the air conditioner in the room, by using the analysis data; and causing the terminal device to display display data including a result of the analysis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fluid analysis method, a fluid analysis system, and a fluid analysis server. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning control device that performs fluid analysis (Computational Fluid Dynamics, CFD) on a control space (room) that is the target of air conditioning control and in which an air conditioner is installed. The air conditioning control device determines the operating state of the air conditioner based on the analysis results and controls the airflow of the air conditioner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7042973 specification Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in recent years, there has been a demand for performing fluid analysis of the airflow in an air conditioner in order to determine the installation position of the air conditioner and the arrangement of furniture in a controlled space that is the target of air conditioning control.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fluid analysis method, a fluid analysis system, and a fluid analysis server that can be used in the layout design of air conditioners. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides a fluid analysis method, a fluid analysis system, and a fluid analysis server.

[0007] A fluid analysis method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a fluid analysis method that can be used for designing the layout of an air conditioner. The fluid analysis method includes the steps of receiving, via a terminal device, user input data including air conditioning specification information for the air conditioner, installation location information for the air conditioner, and layout information for the room in which the air conditioner is installed, executing an input assistance process that complements, converts, or inspects the user input data to generate analysis data, using the analysis data to perform a fluid analysis of the airflow blown out from the air conditioner in the room, and displaying display data including the analysis results on the terminal device.

[0008] Another aspect of the fluid analysis system according to the present disclosure is a fluid analysis system that can be used for air conditioner layout design, and includes a terminal device and a server. The terminal device is configured to receive user input data including air conditioning specification information for the air conditioner, installation location information for the air conditioner, and layout information for the room in which the air conditioner is installed, and to transmit the user input data to the server. The server is configured to receive the user input data from the terminal device, perform input assistance processing to complement, convert, or inspect the user input data, generate analysis data, perform fluid analysis using the analysis data, and transmit display data including the analysis results to the terminal device. The terminal device is further configured to receive and display the display data from the server.

[0009] Another aspect of the fluid analysis system according to the present disclosure is a fluid analysis server that can be used for designing the layout of an air conditioner, and includes a communication unit connectable to a terminal device and a control unit. The control unit is configured to receive user input data from the terminal device via the communication unit, including air conditioning specification information for the air conditioner, installation position information for the air conditioner, and layout information for the room in which the air conditioner is installed, perform input assistance processing to complement, convert, or inspect the user input data, generate analysis data, perform fluid analysis using the analysis data, and send display data including the analysis results to the terminal device for display. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the fluid analysis method, fluid analysis system, and fluid analysis server of the present disclosure, fluid analysis can be performed for the layout design of an air conditioner before the air conditioner is installed in a control space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an example of a fluid analysis system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of a fluid analysis method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is an example of an input user interface (UI) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] An example of an input UI according to the first embodiment [Figure 5] An example of an input UI according to the first embodiment [Figure 6] An example of an input UI according to the first embodiment [Figure 7A] An example of a display UI for analysis results according to the first embodiment [Figure 7B] Schematic representation of the analysis results shown in Figure 7A [Figure 8] Flowchart of a fluid analysis method according to the second embodiment [Figure 9] Flowchart of a fluid analysis method according to the third embodiment [Figure 10] An example of a display UI for analysis results according to the third embodiment [Figure 11] An example of a display UI for analysis results according to the third embodiment [Figure 12] 10 is a block diagram of an example of a fluid analysis system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a block diagram of another example of a fluid analysis system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] Sequence diagram of a fluid analysis method according to the fourth embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 《Technical concept》 Before describing specific embodiments of the fluid analysis method, fluid analysis system, and fluid analysis server according to the present disclosure, the technical concept described in the present disclosure will first be described using an example.

[0013] Conventionally, fluid analysis technology related to air conditioners has been used to control airflow in the control space (room) targeted by the air conditioning control. Such fluid analysis is performed in environments where the air conditioner installation position, room size, and room layout do not change, or in a patterned, predetermined environment. However, such fluid analysis has not been used when considering the installation position of the air conditioner or the placement of furniture in a room. In other words, conventional fluid analysis technology does not meet the needs of air conditioner purchasers and room designers who consider air conditioner placement. Furthermore, fluid analysis requires a long calculation time and specialized knowledge of fluid analysis and architecture, making it difficult for general users such as air conditioner purchasers to use.

[0014] Therefore, the fluid analysis method, system, and server disclosed herein can generate input data sufficient for fluid analysis by performing input assistance processing on simpler user input data than conventional methods. For example, the fluid analysis server can perform input assistance processing to complement, convert, or inspect simple data entered by a user via a smartphone. The fluid analysis server can also perform correction processing to make the analysis results easier to understand, and then display display data including the analysis results to the user. Furthermore, the use of machine learning in fluid analysis enables high-speed analysis.

[0015] Therefore, the fluid analysis method and the like disclosed herein can perform fluid analysis for the layout design of an air conditioner before the air conditioner is installed. Even users without specialized knowledge of fluid analysis or architecture can obtain easy-to-understand analysis results by inputting simple data. Furthermore, because high-speed analysis is possible, real-time analysis in which analysis conditions are changed to perform fluid analysis can be performed, improving usability for the layout design of air conditioners.

[0016] Each of the embodiments described below represents an example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, configurations, steps, and step orders shown in each of the following embodiments are examples and do not limit the present disclosure. Among the components in the following embodiment 1, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept are described as optional components.

[0017] In each of the embodiments described below, certain elements may be modified, and other elements may be appropriately combined with any configuration, and the combined configurations will provide the respective effects. In the embodiments, the respective combinations of the respective modified configurations will provide the respective effects of the respective modified configurations.

[0018] In the following detailed description, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as expressing or implying the relative importance or ranking of technical features. Features qualified as "first" and "second" expressly or imply the inclusion of one or more of that feature.

[0019] First Embodiment A first embodiment of a fluid analysis method, a fluid analysis system, and a fluid analysis server air conditioner according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a fluid analysis system according to the first embodiment. The fluid analysis system 1 includes a fluid analysis server 10 and a terminal device 30. The fluid analysis method of the present disclosure can be executed by the fluid analysis server 10. The fluid analysis system 1, fluid analysis server (hereinafter abbreviated as server) 10, and fluid analysis method of the present disclosure can be used for designing the placement of air conditioners. For example, the server 10 can be used to optimize the placement of air conditioners in a control space (room) that is the target of air conditioning control. In this case, the room in which the air conditioner is placed is the target of fluid analysis.

[0021] The server 10 is communicatively connected to the terminal device 30 and can exchange input and output data of the fluid analysis with the terminal device 30. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the server 10 can perform not only the fluid analysis but also an input assistance process before the fluid analysis and a correction process after the fluid analysis.

[0022] Below, an overview of each component will be explained.

[0023] <Server 10> The server 10 may be a dedicated server for performing fluid analysis, or an application server that provides services for applications for fluid analysis. The server 10 may also be a management server of an air conditioner manufacturer that manages at least one air conditioner and controls the airflow of the air conditioner.

[0024] The server 10 includes a communication unit 12, a control unit 14, and a storage unit 16. The server 10 is connected to a terminal device 30 via the communication unit 12 and a network such as the Internet, and can communicate input and output data of fluid analysis with the terminal device 30. For example, the server 10 receives user input data from the terminal device 30. The server 10 executes input assistance processing and fluid analysis on the received user input data, and transmits display data including the analysis results to the terminal device 30.

[0025] <Communications Department 12> The communication unit 12 can also communicate with a user's terminal device 30 or the like via a network. For example, the server 10 can transmit and receive user input data and display data to and from the terminal device 30 via the communication unit 12, which can also transmit and receive Internet packets. The communication unit 12 may communicate and transmit data between the server 10 and the terminal device 30 in accordance with standards such as IEEE802.2, IEEE802.3, 3G, and LTE. The communication unit 12 may communicate via the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a LAN, ISDN, a VAN, a CATV communication network, a virtual private network, a telephone line network, a mobile communication network, a satellite communication network, infrared, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0026] <Control unit 14> The control unit 14 is a controller that controls at least some of the functions of the server 10. The control unit 14 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, MPU, MCU, FPGA, DSP, or ASIC that executes a program to realize a predetermined function. The control unit 14 can realize various controls for fluid analysis by calling and executing a control program stored in the storage unit 16. The control unit 14 can also read and write data stored in the storage unit 16 in cooperation with the storage unit 16. The control unit 14 is not limited to a device that realizes a predetermined function through cooperation between hardware and software, and may be a hardware circuit designed specifically to realize the predetermined function.

[0027] Functionally, the control unit 14 includes an input assistance processing unit 142 and a fluid analysis unit 144. The input assistance processing unit 142 executes input assistance processing on user input data. In the input assistance processing, the input assistance processing unit 142 of the control unit 14 performs complementation, conversion, or inspection on the user input data to generate data for analysis.

[0028] The fluid analysis unit 144 performs actual fluid analysis using the analysis data generated by the input assistance processing unit 142. The fluid analysis unit 144 can perform fluid analysis using 3D fluid simulation or machine learning technology. The fluid analysis unit 144 may perform pre-processing (also called pre-processing) different from the input assistance processing. For example, the required information and data format may differ depending on the principles, software, and fluid analysis model used in the fluid analysis. The fluid analysis unit 144 may further select, complement, or convert the analysis data depending on the software or fluid analysis model used before performing the fluid analysis.

[0029] As will be described later, the control unit 14 may further include a correction processing unit 146. The correction processing unit 146 performs correction processing on the analysis results to generate display data so that the analysis results are easier to understand.

[0030] <Storage section 16> The storage unit 16 is a recording medium that records various information and control programs, and may be a memory that functions as a work area for the control unit 14. The storage unit 16 is realized by, for example, a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), other storage devices, or an appropriate combination of these.

[0031] The storage unit 16 stores at least one of user input data, analysis data (analysis conditions), intermediate results of fluid analysis, final analysis results, and display data. The storage unit 16 may store various thresholds, parameters, fluid analysis models, learning data, programs, and external information for fluid analysis. The storage unit 16 may also store analysis data, analysis results, execution history, etc. of fluid analyses performed in the past. This information can be read by the control unit 14 when the fluid analysis method is performed, and can be transmitted to the terminal device 30 when the user checks past user input data and display data.

[0032] The storage unit 16 may also store a computer program for causing the control unit 14 of the server 10 to execute the fluid analysis method of the present disclosure. The storage unit 16 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in which the computer program is stored.

[0033] <Terminal device 30> The terminal device 30 is used by a user who performs fluid analysis to consider the installation position of an air conditioner and the placement of furniture in a room. The terminal device 30 may be, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a wearable device, a computer, or the like, equipped with a dedicated application 32.

[0034] The terminal device 30 includes an application 32, a terminal input unit 34, and a terminal display unit 36. The application 32 is an application for fluid analysis, and may be, for example, an application dedicated to fluid analysis related to air conditioners. The application 32 may also be an application capable of performing fluid analysis for other purposes, or may be a general-purpose application that communicates with the server 10 for fluid analysis. For example, the application 32 may be a browser executed by a smartphone or a personal computer.

[0035] The terminal input unit 34 includes, for example, at least one of a mouse, a keyboard, a joystick, a trackball, a touch panel, a touch screen, a digitizer, and a pen tablet. The terminal device 30 acquires user input data from a user via the terminal input unit 34 and the UI of the application 32.

[0036] The terminal display unit 36 ​​includes, for example, at least one of a display, a screen, a touch screen, and a panning tablet. The terminal device 30 displays the UI of the application 32 to the user, and displays the analysis results or display data received from the server 10 to the user via the terminal display unit 36.

[0037] The terminal device 30 may further include a terminal communication unit (not shown), a terminal control unit (not shown), and a terminal storage unit (not shown). The terminal communication unit can communicate with the server 10, etc., via a network, and can send and receive user input data and display data to and from the server 10. The terminal control unit is a controller that controls at least some of the functions of the terminal device 30. The terminal storage unit stores user input data acquired via the terminal input unit 34, and analysis results or display data acquired from the server 10.

[0038] <Fluid analysis method> 1, the fluid analysis method is executed by a server 10. This fluid analysis is an analysis of airflow blown out from an air conditioner in a room. The room to be analyzed may be an actually constructed room, a room under construction, or a virtual room in the design stage.

[0039] In one embodiment, the server 10 begins executing a fluid analysis method upon receiving a start command from the application 32 of the terminal device 30. For example, the application 32 is a dedicated application for fluid analysis, or a dedicated application capable of performing fluid analysis to consider the placement of an air conditioner or furniture in a room. The fluid analysis technology and application 32 of the present disclosure can also be used to consider changing the installation location of an air conditioner already installed in a room and its new location. When launched, the application 32 sends a start command to the server 10 to start the fluid analysis method and displays a UI on the terminal display unit 36 ​​that prompts the user to enter analysis conditions. If the application 32 is a general-purpose application such as a browser, when the application 32 connects to the server 10, the server 10 starts the fluid analysis method and displays a UI on the terminal display unit 36 ​​that prompts the user to enter analysis conditions.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the fluid analysis method according to the first embodiment, and the fluid analysis method includes steps S100 to S400.

[0041] The control unit 14 of the server 10 receives user input data via the communication unit 12 of the server 10 and the terminal device 30 (step S100). The user input data is input to the terminal device 30 by the user via the application 32 of the terminal device 30, and is transferred from the terminal device 30 to the server 10.

[0042] The user input data that can be acquired includes at least one of the air conditioning specification information of the air conditioner, the installation location information of the air conditioner, and the layout information of the room in which the air conditioner is installed. To acquire various pieces of user input data, the control unit 14 can display various UIs on the terminal display unit 36. For example, different types of information may be acquired using a UI that transitions between multiple web pages or screens.

[0043] 3 to 6 show examples of input UIs according to embodiment 1. Below, an example will be described in which UIs are displayed in the order of Fig. 3 to Fig. 6 and input is obtained from the user, but the display order and input order are not limited to this. When the "Next" button shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 6 is pressed, the application 32 displays the next UI (screen).

[0044] In one embodiment, the application 32 can acquire layout information including information related to the shape of a room and the length of at least one side of the room. Screen SC1 in FIG. 3 displays a UI for acquiring information related to a room. The UI displays multiple predefined types of room shapes, each of which has a different shape. In screen SC1, Type A has a simple rectangular parallelepiped shape, Type B has a shape formed by combining two rectangular parallelepipeds, and Type C has a shape formed by combining one rectangular parallelepiped and one cylinder. Room types are not limited to these shapes, and may have more complex shapes or shapes formed by combining multiple shapes.

[0045] The user can select one of the displayed types. The application 32 processes the selected type as "information related to the shape of the room." That is, the layout information includes the room type selected by the user. The room type is linked to the shape of the room, and may also be linked to, for example, the material of the wall, the heat transfer performance of the wall, etc.

[0046] Furthermore, the user can select one of the sides included in the defined shape and input the length of the selected side (i.e., side length). As an example, each of the sides and walls that form a room has an identifier, and each of the pieces of furniture to be placed in the room, as described below, also has an identifier. The application 32 can use these identifiers to identify specific sides, walls, and pieces of furniture, and can set parameters such as length and position for the identified items.

[0047] For example, in the UI of FIG. 3, a text box into which a numerical value can be input is provided next to an image representing each type. On screen SC1, a room of type B is selected by the user. Then, the longest side e1 of the sides included in the shape defined by type B is selected. In this state, when the user inputs a numerical value (e.g., 4200) into the text box corresponding to type B, the numerical value is recorded as the length of the selected side e1. The application 32 processes the type selected by the user and the side length input by the user as part of the layout information.

[0048] Furthermore, the application 32 may display a UI different from the selectable UI. For example, the application 32 may display a UI that allows the user to freely edit and define the shape and side length of a room, and acquire layout information via the UI. In this way, the application 32 can acquire layout information for a room having any shape and any side length.

[0049] The unit of the length of the room side input by the user may be the unit used in fluid analysis, for example, millimeters (mm), or may be a unit that is easy for the user to understand, for example, meters (m).

[0050] In one embodiment, the application 32 can acquire air conditioning specification information including model information indicating the model of the air conditioner. A UI is displayed at the top of the screen SC2 in FIG. 4 that allows selection of the air conditioner manufacturer, series, and corresponding tatami mat area. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, when a specific manufacturer is selected, the application 32 displays tabs indicating the series of air conditioner products offered by that manufacturer and the corresponding tatami mat area. Each tag is linked to the model number of a specific product from that manufacturer. When a specific tab is selected, the application 32 sets the model number linked to the selected tag as model information in the air conditioning specification information. For example, when the tab corresponding to the manufacturer "Panasonic," "X Series," and the tatami mat area "20 tatami mats" is selected, the application 32 sets the model number "PA-123456" linked to the selected tag as model information. The air conditioner model number may be linked to other information such as the user's country of residence, the color of the air conditioner, or the year of sale.

[0051] A text box into which the model or model number of the air conditioner can be input is displayed at the bottom of screen SC2 in Fig. 4. If the user inputs model or model number "A001" into this text box, application 32 will treat "A001" input by the user as model information. Note that the model information may be any information that represents the model of the air conditioner, and may be, other than the model number, for example, the product name, model name, type, or model name of the air conditioner.

[0052] In one embodiment, the application 32 can obtain installation position information related to the location where the air conditioner is installed in a room. Screen SC3 in FIG. 5 displays an image of the room according to the selected type and the input side length, and a rectangle representing the air conditioner. The user can specify the installation position of the air conditioner by dragging the rectangle representing the air conditioner along the wall of the room. The application 32 uses, for example, the identifier of the wall to which the location belongs and the absolute or relative coordinates representing the location as installation position information.

[0053] In one embodiment, the application 32 can acquire layout information including furniture specification information for at least one piece of furniture and placement position information for the furniture. Screen SC4 in FIG. 6 displays a UI for arranging furniture in a room. At the bottom of screen SC4, icons representing various pieces of furniture with predefined parameters, such as chairs, sofas, shelves, and desks, are displayed. The user can place the furniture in the room by selecting and dragging one of the furniture icons. The user can also move, rotate, or delete the furniture via the UI. The user may also move to the next screen without placing the furniture.

[0054] The application 32 sets the identifier and at least one of the parameters of each piece of placed furniture as furniture specification information for the furniture. For example, the furniture specification information includes at least one parameter of the height, width, depth, material, surface shape, and heat transfer performance of each piece of placed furniture. If the furniture is a ventilation fan, electric fan, air purifier, range hood, or other device that can affect the airflow, the furniture specification information includes at least one parameter of the furniture's ventilation volume range, intake area, intake air speed, intake direction, blowing area, blowing air speed, and blowing direction. The application 32 then sets the identifier of each piece of placed furniture and absolute or relative coordinates representing the placement position as furniture placement position information, for example.

[0055] As described above, in step S100, user input data including at least one of air conditioning specification information, installation position information, and layout information is acquired and transmitted to the server 10.

[0056] 2, after receiving the user input data, the control unit 14 of the server 10 executes an input assistance process to complement, convert, or check the user input data, and generates data for analysis (step S200). The input assistance process can complement missing parts of the user input data for fluid analysis, convert physical quantities of the user input data into units appropriate for fluid analysis, and check for errors or inconsistencies in the user input data.

[0057] The input assistance processing described in this disclosure is at least partially different from the pre-processing (pre-processing) performed by the fluid analysis unit 144. As described above, the fluid analysis unit 144 may further select, complement, or convert the analysis data generated by the input assistance processing unit 142 depending on the software or fluid analysis model used. However, depending on the software used, the fluid analysis unit 144 may differ in the pre-processing it can perform, or may not perform pre-processing at all. The input assistance processing unit 142 inspects the user input data and can complement or convert the user input data depending on the software used.

[0058] <Input assistance processing: data completion> In one embodiment, in the input assistance process, the input assistance processor 142 of the control unit 14 generates complementary information to be used in fluid analysis based on the acquired air conditioning specification information, installation position information, or layout information, and adds the complementary information to the analysis data. The complementary information that the input assistance processor 142 can generate is introduced below.

[0059] <Data supplement: Air conditioning specification information> For example, the air conditioning specification information for an air conditioner includes model information indicating the model of the air conditioner. In this case, the input assistance processing unit 142 generates complementary information by acquiring at least one parameter related to fluid analysis of the air conditioner and using this parameter as complementary information. The parameter related to fluid analysis includes, for example, at least one of the ventilation volume range, size, installation limitations, blowing area, suction area, and blowing temperature of the air conditioner. In other words, the complementary information includes at least one of the ventilation volume range, size, installation limitations, blowing area, suction area, and blowing temperature of the air conditioner, which are linked to the model information.

[0060] As an example, a comparison table between model information and at least one parameter related to fluid analysis is stored in the storage unit 16 of the server 10. The input assistance processing unit 142 can obtain the parameter corresponding to the model information by comparing the model information included in the received user input data with the storage unit 16.

[0061] As another example, the input assistance processing unit 142 searches the Internet using the model information to acquire at least one parameter related to fluid analysis of the air conditioner represented by the model information.

[0062] <Data supplement: Layout information, room-related information> Suppose the layout information includes information related to the shape of the room and the length of at least one side of the room, and the complementary information includes at least one of the length of a side not included in the layout information, calculated based on the information related to the shape of the room and the length of the at least one side of the room, the material of the wall of the room linked to the information related to the shape of the room, and the heat transfer performance of the wall of the room linked to the information related to the shape of the room.

[0063] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the user input data received in step S100 includes the lengths of the sides e1 and e2 in the longitudinal direction of the room and the lengths of the sides e4 and e5 in the transverse direction of the room. The input assistant processor 142 calculates the length of the side e3 in the longitudinal direction of the room by subtracting the length of the side e2 from the length of the side e1. The input assistant processor 142 also calculates the length of the side e6 in the transverse direction of the room by adding the length of the side e5 to the length of the side e4. The input assistant processor 142 uses the calculated lengths of the sides e3 and e6 as complementary information; that is, it generates complementary information by calculating the lengths of the sides e3 and e6.

[0064] Furthermore, when a room type is linked to a wall material or heat transfer performance, the input auxiliary processing unit 142 can acquire the wall material or heat transfer performance based on the layout information. In one example, the storage unit 16 stores a comparison table between room types and at least one of wall materials and heat transfer performance. The input auxiliary processing unit 142 can acquire the wall material or heat transfer performance corresponding to the room type by comparing the room type included in the layout information with the storage unit 16. In another example, the layout information includes information indicating the wall material, and the storage unit stores a comparison table between wall materials and heat transfer performance. In this case, the input auxiliary processing unit 142 can acquire the heat transfer performance by comparing the wall material included in the layout information with the storage unit 16.

[0065] The heat transfer performance of the wall may include at least one of whether the wall is insulated, the thermal conductivity of the wall, and the specific heat of the wall. The input auxiliary processing unit 142 may use the acquired material or heat transfer performance of the wall as complementary information.

[0066] <Data supplement: Layout information, furniture-related information> Assume that the layout information includes furniture specification information, which includes furniture identifiers. A comparison table between furniture identifiers and at least one parameter of the furniture is stored in the storage unit 16. The input assistance processing unit 142 can acquire parameters corresponding to the furniture by matching the identifier of the arranged furniture with the storage unit 16, and use the acquired parameters as complementary information. The furniture parameters may be, for example, the size, material, heat transfer performance, ventilation volume range, suction area, suction wind speed, suction direction, blowing area, blowing wind speed, blowing direction, initial temperature, rotation speed, and rotation angle range of the furniture. The complementary information includes at least one of the parameters acquired from the furniture specification information. The size of the furniture includes at least one of the height, width, and depth of the furniture.

[0067] <Data supplementation: other analysis conditions> In one embodiment, in the input assistance process, the input assistance processor 142 generates complementary information that sets air as the fluid to be analyzed, and adds the generated complementary information to the analysis data. In the fluid analysis method of the present disclosure, fluid analysis is performed on a room in which an air conditioner is installed, so the fluid to be analyzed is air. The values ​​of the density, thermal conductivity, specific heat, etc. of air at a specific atmospheric pressure and a specific temperature are well known. For example, at 1 atm and 20°C, the density of air is 1.166 kg / m 3 It has a specific heat of 1006 J / kg°C and a thermal conductivity of 0.0257 W / mK.

[0068] The input auxiliary processing unit 142 can set an initial temperature of the air and use the set initial temperature as complementary information. The input auxiliary processing unit 142 can then use at least one of the density, viscosity, thermal expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity, and specific heat of the air as complementary information according to the set initial temperature. The memory unit 16 stores this information, and during input auxiliary processing, the input auxiliary processing unit 142 reads out this information and adds it to the analysis data as complementary information.

[0069] <Input assistance processing: unit unification> In one embodiment, in the input auxiliary processing, the input auxiliary processing unit 142 converts the units of the user input data so as to unify the units of each physical quantity of the user input data. For example, the input auxiliary processing unit 142 may unify the units of the physical quantities into the International System of Units (SI). In this way, the units are unified in the analysis data generated by the input auxiliary processing unit 142.

[0070] To allow the user to input data intuitively, the fluid analysis system 1 may prompt the user to input data in units different from those used in the fluid analysis by displaying them on the UI. Furthermore, to allow the user to input data intuitively, the fluid analysis system 1 may prompt the user to input data in different units even for different items or parameters corresponding to the same physical quantity. For example, the fluid analysis unit 144 performs fluid analysis using millimeters as the unit of all physical quantities of length. Nevertheless, the application 32 may prompt the user to input the length of a room's sides in meters, while prompting the user to input the length of furniture in centimeters. In this case, the input assistance processing unit 142 standardizes the unit of the length of a room's sides and the length of furniture to millimeters and includes the standardized numerical values ​​in the analysis data.

[0071] In one example, when the fluid analysis unit 144 performs fluid analysis using multiple units for the same physical quantity, the input assistance processing unit 142 converts the units of the user input data to match the units used by the fluid analysis unit 144.

[0072] <Input assistance processing: format check> In one embodiment, in the input assistance process, the input assistance processor 142 of the control unit 14 checks the user-input data for formal errors. A formal error refers to an error in the format of the data and may include, for example, an incomplete entry or an improper format. If a formal error is found, the input assistance processor 142 displays an error message to the user via the terminal display unit 36 ​​of the terminal device 30.

[0073] The check for formal errors and the display of error messages may be performed on all user-input data at once or in multiple batches. For example, when a user inputs data using the UIs shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the screen transitions when the user presses the "Next" button on each screen. When the "Next" button is pressed, the input assistance processor 142 checks the user-input data entered on the current screen for formal errors. For example, suppose the user selects Type B in the UI shown in FIG. 3 but presses the "Next" button without entering any side lengths. At that time, the input assistance processor 142 detects a formal error, i.e., the user has omitted the entry of side lengths, and displays an error message on the terminal display unit 36 ​​stating, "Side lengths not entered."

[0074] <Input assistance processing: entity inspection> In one embodiment, in the input assistance process, the input assistance processor 142 checks the user input data for substantive errors, which refer to substantial inconsistencies or defects in the user-specified configuration of the air conditioner or furniture.

[0075] The input auxiliary processing unit 142 calculates the possible layout range of the room, the range for installing the air conditioner, and the range for arranging at least one piece of furniture based on the user input data. These ranges can be calculated and defined using absolute coordinates or relative coordinates.

[0076] In one example, the input auxiliary processing unit 142 calculates absolute coordinates or relative coordinates that represent the range of the floor of the room's interior space, and determines this as the possible layout range for floor-standing furniture. In another example, the input auxiliary processing unit 142 determines the range of the room's walls excluding doors and windows as the possible layout range for wall-mounted furniture. In another example, the input auxiliary processing unit 142 determines the wall of the room facing the outside as the possible layout range for an air conditioner. In another example, the input auxiliary processing unit 142 determines the upper half, one-third from the top, or one-quarter from the top of the wall as the possible layout range for an air conditioner. In the present disclosure, the possible layout range for an air conditioner may be referred to as an installation restriction.

[0077] Similarly, the input assist processing unit 142 can treat the spatial ranges that the air conditioner and furniture occupy in the room as the air conditioner installation range and the furniture layout range. Note that the air conditioner installation range and the furniture layout range may be three-dimensional ranges that take into account the heights of the air conditioner and furniture, or may be two-dimensional ranges in which the air conditioner and furniture are projected horizontally onto the floor.

[0078] The input assistance processor 142 then checks the possible layout range, installation range, and placement range for any substantial errors. Substantial errors include at least one of the following: the installation range of the air conditioner does not satisfy the installation restrictions; the installation range or placement range is outside the possible layout range; and there is a defect in the placement range. For example, the input assistance processor 142 can check whether the air conditioner or furniture is at least partially outside the room, overlaps, or is floating above the floor.

[0079] If there is a substantial error, the input assistance processing unit 142 displays an error message via the terminal display unit 36 ​​of the terminal device 30. For example, the input assistance processing unit 142 can display error messages such as "Furniture is overlapping" or "Furniture is not completely arranged in the room" on the terminal display unit 36 ​​based on the results of the calculation and inspection.

[0080] As described above, in step S200, the input assistance processing unit 142 of the control unit 14 executes input assistance processing to complement, convert, or inspect user-input data. The input assistance processing allows simple user-input data to be complemented with detailed analysis data that enables fluid analysis to be performed. Furthermore, automatically standardizing the units of user-input data allows the user to intuitively input parameters with different units. Furthermore, performing formal or substantive inspections of user-input data can prevent fluid analysis from being performed using insufficient or incorrect analysis conditions.

[0081] Returning to FIG. 2, the fluid analysis unit 144 uses the analysis data generated by the input assistance processing unit 142 to perform fluid analysis on the airflow blown out from the air conditioner in the room (step S300). The fluid analysis unit 144 may use a known fluid analysis technology, may combine multiple fluid analysis technologies, or may combine a fluid analysis technology with a technology from another field, such as machine learning. Note that if the user has not placed any furniture in the room, the analysis data may not include layout information such as furniture specification information and placement position information regarding the furniture. In this case, the fluid analysis unit 144 performs fluid analysis on a room where no furniture has been placed.

[0082] The fluid analysis unit 144 performs high-speed fluid analysis, i.e., real-time fluid analysis. For example, the fluid analysis unit 144 performs fluid analysis without generating a mesh, so-called meshless CFD. By combining meshless CFD technology with a simple fluid analysis model, fluid analysis of the airflow blown out from an air conditioner in a room can be completed in a few seconds.

[0083] Furthermore, the fluid analysis unit 144 can perform fluid analysis using a fluid analysis model that has undergone machine learning. For example, the fluid analysis unit 144 can perform fluid analysis using a deep learning (Physics-Informed Neural Network, PINN) technique based on the laws of physics or other AI techniques. The fluid analysis model used may be one stored in the storage unit 16 of the server 10, or may be one that reflects new learning as the fluid analysis is performed.

[0084] As described above, the fluid analysis unit 144 can perform real-time analysis. The goal of real-time analysis here is to achieve a fluid analysis calculation time that is short enough to allow practical applications, such as determining the installation location of an air conditioner or the placement of furniture. That is, after receiving a start command and user input data from the terminal device 30, the server 10 performs the fluid analysis and immediately outputs the analysis results. The calculation time for the fluid analysis is within a short, predetermined time, such as within one minute, three minutes, five minutes, ten minutes, fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, or one hour. In one example, the entire process from when the user completes input via the application 32 and the server 10 starts the fluid analysis to when the server 10 displays the display data including the analysis results on the terminal display unit 36 ​​can be completed within five minutes.

[0085] The fluid analysis unit 144 can perform fluid analysis in various formats. For example, the fluid analysis may be completed using a fluid analysis model and program stored in the server 10, or may be performed across multiple servers as described in a fourth embodiment. Furthermore, because fluid analysis can be performed in real time in response to commands from a user, the technology of the present disclosure can also be called online CFD or on-demand CFD.

[0086] After performing the fluid analysis and generating the analysis results, the control unit 14 displays display data including the analysis results on the terminal device 30 (step S400). The analysis results are data that represent how the airflow blown out from the air conditioner flows in the room. For example, the analysis results may include at least one of a contour diagram, a vector diagram, a simulation model, and computer-aided design (CAD) data that represent the wind speed distribution or temperature distribution in the room. The analysis results may further include streamlines or animations that represent the wind speed distribution or temperature distribution in the room. The analysis results may also include at least one of data on the maximum temperature, minimum temperature, average temperature, maximum wind speed, and pressure loss in the room during the fluid analysis.

[0087] The display data may include an image, animation, or video containing the analysis results. For example, the display data may include data in which the analysis results have been simplified so that they can be easily displayed on the terminal device 30.

[0088] FIG. 7A is an example of a display UI for analysis results according to Embodiment 1, and FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of the analysis results shown in FIG. 7A. Screen SC5 shown in FIG. 7A and the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 7B depict how the airflow blown out from the air conditioner flows in the room. Arrows in the analysis results indicate the direction of the airflow. Furthermore, the thickness, density, or color of the lines in the analysis results may represent the airflow volume, speed, or temperature of the airflow. For example, in the analysis results shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a strong airflow is blown out from the air conditioner 10 in a forward direction. Some of the airflow hits a sofa placed in the center of the room or the wall opposite the air conditioner 10 before flowing into the space at the lower right.

[0089] In one embodiment, when the user presses the "Save Results" button located at the bottom right of screen SC5, the server 10 stores the displayed display data in the storage unit 16. In this way, when the user wants to see the analysis results again, the analysis results can be displayed without having to perform the fluid analysis again.

[0090] This completes the control processing of the fluid analysis system. In this way, fluid analysis can be performed for the layout design of an air conditioner before the air conditioner is installed. Furthermore, by executing the input assistance processing, even users without specialized knowledge of fluid analysis or architecture can obtain analysis results by inputting simple data.

[0091] In one embodiment, the server 10 includes a program used to execute the fluid analysis method as described above, which causes the control unit 14 of the server 10 to execute the fluid analysis method.

[0092] In one embodiment, the server 10 includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program. The control method of the present disclosure is realized when the computer program is executed by the processor (control unit 14). The storage medium may be the same as the storage unit 16 of the server 10, may be included in the storage unit 16, or may be a component separate from the storage unit 16.

[0093] Second Embodiment <Real-time reanalysis> In the second embodiment, the user can change the analysis conditions and have the server 10 perform fluid analysis again. When the user changes the analysis conditions, the fluid analysis system performs fluid analysis based on the changed analysis conditions and updates the analysis results in real time.

[0094] Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a fluid analysis method according to embodiment 2. Steps S100 to S400 in Fig. 8 are similar to steps S100 to S400 in Fig. 2 of embodiment 1, and therefore redundant explanations will be omitted here. In the example of Fig. 8, the fluid analysis method further includes step S500.

[0095] After step S400, the control unit 14 of the server 10 determines whether or not changed user input data has been received via the terminal device 30 (step S500). If it determines that changed user input data has been received, the control unit 14 performs reanalysis and redisplay in real time based on the changed user input data. That is, after completing one fluid analysis, the control unit 14 can perform another fluid analysis using different user input data in response to a user instruction.

[0096] As described above, the server 10 is capable of real-time analysis, and can display display data to the user via the terminal device 30 within a short time, such as three minutes, after receiving user-input data. Therefore, the cycle of changing conditions, reanalyzing, and redisplaying is short, and repeated execution does not make the user wait for a long time.

[0097] When considering the installation location of an air conditioner or the placement of furniture, the user can easily try out various analysis conditions. For example, the user can change the installation location of the air conditioner or the placement of furniture and have the server 10 perform a reanalysis. Suppose the user, after viewing the analysis results (FIG. 7) based on the conditions shown on screen SC5 in FIGS. 3 to 6, notices that the airflow circulation in the space at the bottom right of the room in FIG. 7 is relatively poor. To optimize the installation location, the user can try out different installation locations while viewing the analysis results in several fluid analyses.

[0098] As a result, the control unit 14 completes the process of re-analyzing the data in real time using the changed user input data. Because high-speed, real-time fluid analysis is possible, the system is more useful for designing the layout of air conditioners and furniture.

[0099] Third Embodiment <Correction process for analysis results> In the third embodiment, the server 10 performs a correction process on the analysis results so that the results of the fluid analysis can be easily understood by the user or so that the usability of the fluid analysis can be improved.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 1, functionally, the control unit 14 further includes a correction processing unit 146 that performs the correction processing described in the third embodiment.

[0101] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a fluid analysis method according to embodiment 3. Steps S100 to S400 in Fig. 9 are similar to steps S100 to S400 in Fig. 2 of embodiment 1, and therefore redundant explanations will be omitted here. In the example of Fig. 9, the fluid analysis method further includes step S600.

[0102] After the fluid analysis unit 144 of the control unit 14 executes the fluid analysis in step S300, the correction processing unit 146 of the control unit 14 executes correction processing on the analysis results and generates display data (step S600). Then, the server 10 transmits the display data to the terminal device 30 via the communication unit 12, and causes the terminal device 30 to display the display data to the user (step S400).

[0103] In the correction process, the correction processing unit 146 may perform at least one of image synthesis, data reduction, matching with user-input data, deletion of information that does not need to be displayed, and generation of recommendations for the layout design of air conditioners on the analysis results. Also, in the correction process, the correction processing unit 146 may save the processing results of various processes throughout the fluid analysis.

[0104] Note that the correction processing described in this disclosure differs from post-processing (also called post-processing) in conventional fluid analysis technology. Similar to the pre-processing performed by the fluid analysis unit 144 described above, the fluid analysis unit 144 may perform post-processing in conventional fluid analysis technology. For example, the fluid analysis unit 144 generates analysis results in the form of two-dimensional (2D) images, three-dimensional (3D) images, or animations to visualize the data resulting from fluid analysis calculations and simulations. In this case, the correction processing unit 146 performs correction processing on the analysis results generated by the fluid analysis unit 144 after performing post-processing.

[0105] The details of the correction process will be explained below.

[0106] <Correction process: Image synthesis> In one embodiment, during the modification process, the modification processor 146 combines the analysis results with the layout information. The display data thus generated includes an image, animation, or video that combines the analysis results with the layout information. The modification processor 146 combines the analysis results, such as an animation of a contour map, with the layout information so that the analysis results are overlaid on the furniture layout arranged according to the user's instructions.

[0107] In one embodiment, the correction processor 146 further combines the analysis results with the installation position information. The correction processor 146 combines the analysis results, such as a contour diagram animation, with layout information so as to overlay them on the layout of the air conditioners arranged in accordance with the user's instructions. As shown in FIG. 7, the display data combining the analysis results, layout information, and installation position information displays both the analysis results and the layout of the furniture and air conditioners in the room. In this way, the relationship between the analysis results and the shape of the room, the installation position of the air conditioners, the furniture layout, etc., is displayed more clearly. For example, from the combined image, it can be seen that part of the cool air blown out from the air conditioner hits the sofa placed in the center of the room before flowing into the space at the lower right.

[0108] In one embodiment, in the correction process, the correction processor 146 adds at least a portion of the air conditioning specification information or storage information to the display data. That is, the correction processor 146 further combines the analysis results with at least a portion of the air conditioning specification information or the complementary information generated by the input support processor 142. FIG. 10 is an example of a display UI for analysis results according to the third embodiment. Screen SC6 in FIG. 10 displays user-input data such as the air conditioner model number, the corresponding tatami mat area, and the room type selected by the user. Screen SC6 in FIG. 10 also displays complementary information such as the fact that the fluid in the fluid analysis is air, the air conditioner's outlet temperature, and the initial temperature of the fluid in the room.

[0109] <Correction process: Data reduction> In one embodiment, in the correction process, the correction processing unit 146 converts the contour or vector diagrams included in the analysis results into 2D animations, 3D animations, or interactive web pages, and combines the converted contour or vector diagrams with layout information.

[0110] When the analysis results include CAD data or the like, the data size is large, so if the analysis results are displayed as is on the terminal device 30, it may take a long time to communicate with the terminal device 30 and display them on the terminal device 30. Furthermore, depending on the specifications of the terminal device 30, there is a possibility that at least some of the analysis results cannot be displayed, that a malfunction occurs in the terminal device 30, or that the terminal device 30 crashes. Such disadvantages can be alleviated by reducing the size of the analysis result data through correction processing before displaying it on the terminal device 30. In other words, the time required to transmit the display data to the terminal device and the resources of the terminal device used for display can be reduced.

[0111] In one example, the correction processor 146 converts the contour or vector diagram included in the analysis results into a GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) animation and then combines it with the layout information. Because the data size of a GIF file is very small, communication and display are fast, and as will be described later, the storage space occupied by the storage unit 16 is small.

[0112] In another example, the correction processor 146 converts a contour diagram or vector diagram included in the analysis results into an interactive web page, combines it with layout information, and generates display data. For example, the correction processor 146 generates display data in the form of an interactive (i.e., operable) HTML file that can be freely rotated in three axial directions. If such display data is displayed on the terminal device 30, the user can observe the airflow in the room from all directions and can consider the placement of the air conditioner and furniture in more detail.

[0113] <Correction process: Consistency with user-entered data> In one embodiment, in the correction process, the correction processor 146 corrects the units, format, or number of display digits in the analysis results so that the analysis results are consistent with the user input data. For example, if the unit of length of furniture is converted from centimeters to millimeters in the input assistance process, the correction processor 146 restores the unit of length of furniture to the original centimeter. Additionally, if the data format or the number of display digits of a numerical value is converted in the processing by the input assistance processor 142 or the fluid analysis unit 144, the correction processor 146 may restore this data or numerical value so that it is consistent with the user input data. When combining the analysis results with user input data such as layout information, there are no restrictions on the order of data matching and combination.

[0114] This correction process can be thought of as erasing any traces of processing of the user input data that was performed by the internal processing of the input assistance processing unit 142 or the fluid analysis unit 144 before displaying it together with the analysis results. Creating display data that is consistent with the user input data can prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable about the displayed information.

[0115] <Correction process: Delete unnecessary information> In one embodiment, in the correction process, the correction processing unit 146 deletes information that does not need to be displayed from the analysis result or the complementary information, and then displays it on the terminal device 30. Deleting information here means not displaying the information. That is, it means not including information that does not need to be displayed in the display data, or including information that does not need to be displayed in the display data but is not displayed on the terminal device 30. The deleted information can be stored in the storage unit 16 of the server 10, regardless of whether it is included in the display data or not.

[0116] For example, it is possible to delete detailed information about the size and heat transfer performance of furniture included in the user input data or the supplementary information, detailed information about fluids included in the supplementary information, or information about the mesh generated by the fluid analysis unit 144. By not displaying such information, the analysis results can be displayed more concisely and it is possible to avoid causing anxiety or confusion to users who do not have specialized knowledge.

[0117] <Correction process: Recommendation generation> In one embodiment, in the correction process, the correction processing unit 146 generates recommendations for the layout design of air conditioners based on user input data or analysis results, and adds them to the display data.

[0118] For example, based on the analysis results, the correction processor 146 acquires the time required for the cooling / heating airflow to spread throughout the room, the temperature change at a specific location in the room (e.g., the surface of a sofa or bed), the minimum and maximum temperatures in the room after a certain operating time, and the temperature distribution in the room after a certain operating time. The correction processor 146 can determine whether the operating efficiency of the air conditioner meets a predetermined standard by comparing the acquired information with a predetermined threshold. The correction processor 146 determines that the operating efficiency does not meet the predetermined standard, for example, that the time it takes for the maximum or average room temperature to reach a temperature threshold after cooling operation exceeds a time threshold. In this case, the correction processor 146 may create and display a recommendation to change the installation location of the air conditioner. For example, if the correction processor 146 determines that there is a location in the room where convection is poor and the airflow is less than the airflow threshold, the correction processor 146 may create and display a recommendation to change the installation location of the air conditioner.

[0119] The correction processing unit 146 can also generate recommendations based on general principles and restrictions for installing air conditioners. For example, if a room is rectangular, installing an air conditioner on a short wall generally allows the airflow emitted by the air conditioner to quickly spread throughout the room. Generally, air conditioners are installed higher than the pipe holes in the wall to allow for the drainage of condensation. Generally, furniture that could become an obstacle should not be placed under an air conditioner with a heating function. The correction processing unit 146 can determine whether these principles are met based on layout information and installation position information. If it is determined that these principles are not met, for example, that the air conditioner is installed on the long side of the room, the correction processing unit 146 generates a recommendation to change the installation position of the air conditioner.

[0120] In one embodiment, the correction processing unit 146 calculates an optimal installation position based on at least one of the air conditioning specification information, the room type, the layout information, the installation restrictions, and the analysis results. The correction processing unit 146 creates a recommendation proposing the calculated installation position and presents it to the user.

[0121] 11 is an example of a display UI for analysis results according to embodiment 3. In this example, the correction processing unit 146 determines that the airflow circulation in the space at the bottom right of the room is relatively poor, and creates a recommendation such as "Try installing the air conditioner on another wall," which is displayed on the terminal device 30. As shown in FIG. 11, the display data can be displayed by item or type, and some of the display data can be folded so that they are not displayed.

[0122] In one embodiment, the correction processor 146 generates a recommendation for furniture layout design based on the analysis results and adds the recommendation to the display data. For example, the correction processor 146 determines that furniture with a heating function whose height exceeds a threshold is placed, or that a certain piece of furniture significantly obstructs convection. In this case, the correction processor 146 identifies the piece of furniture by its identifier and generates a recommendation to change the placement position of the identified piece of furniture.

[0123] By creating and displaying recommendations for air conditioner or furniture layout design in this way, the correction processing unit 146 can determine the operating efficiency of the air conditioner based on user input data or analysis results. In addition, the correction processing unit 146 can provide a recommendation function to the user so as to improve operating efficiency.

[0124] <Correction process: Save processing results> In one embodiment, in the correction process, the correction processor 146 stores at least one of the analysis results, the display data, the user input data, and the analysis data in the storage unit 16 of the server 10.

[0125] In one example, both the analysis conditions and the analysis results or display data based thereon are stored in the storage unit 16. The stored analysis conditions are at least one of user-input data and analysis data. Before performing fluid analysis, for example, before executing step S300, the control unit 14 compares the current analysis conditions (i.e., user-input data or analysis data) with the storage unit 16. If the comparison results in analysis results or display data based on the analysis conditions, the control unit 14 does not execute step S300, but instead uses the comparison result to display the display data on the terminal device 30.

[0126] In another example, before starting the fluid analysis method, for example, when the application 32 is launched, the user is prompted to log in. The control unit 14 stores the analysis conditions and results of the fluid analysis performed for each user in the storage unit 16 based on the identification information of the logged-in user. The control unit 14 compares the current analysis conditions with data stored in the storage unit 16 and associated with the same user. In this way, when the user wants to see the analysis results again, the control unit 14 can display the analysis results without having to perform the fluid analysis again. This improves the usability of the fluid analysis.

[0127] As described above, in step S600, the correction processing unit 146 of the control unit 14 performs correction processing on the analysis results, such as image synthesis, recommendation generation, data reduction, matching, selection, or storage, to generate display data. The correction processing makes it possible to generate display data that is easy to understand or suitable for display on the terminal device 30.

[0128] Fourth Embodiment <Another configuration of the fluid analysis system> In the fourth embodiment, a fluid analysis system having a different configuration will be described. For example, the functions of the server 10 can be achieved by a plurality of servers. In addition, some of the functions of the server can be achieved by a terminal device 30.

[0129] Fig. 12 is a block diagram of an example of a fluid analysis system according to the fourth embodiment. In the example of Fig. 12, the functions of the server 10 described in the first to third embodiments are achieved by a first server 10A and a second server 10B. That is, the functions of the server 10 are divided between the first server 10A and the second server 10B. Note that the functions of the server 10 described in the first to third embodiments can be divided so as to be achieved by more servers.

[0130] In the example of FIG. 12, the first server 10A includes a first communication unit 12A, a first control unit 14A, and a first storage unit 16A. The first communication unit 12A can communicate with the terminal device 30 and the second server 10B. The first control unit 14A includes an input assistance processing unit 142 and a correction processing unit 146, and executes the input assistance processing and correction processing described above. The first control unit 14A can receive user input data from the terminal device 30 and receive analysis results from the second server 10B via the first communication unit 12A. The first control unit 14A can also send display data to the terminal device 30 and analysis data to the second server 10B via the first communication unit 12A. The first storage unit 16A stores at least one of the user input data received from the terminal device 30, the analysis data generated by the input assistance processing unit 142, the analysis results received from the second server 10B, and the display data generated by the correction processing unit 146.

[0131] The second server 10B includes a second communication unit 12B, a second control unit 14B, and a second storage unit 16B. The second communication unit 12B is capable of communicating with the first server 10A. The second control unit 14B includes a fluid analysis unit 144 that actually performs fluid analysis. The second control unit 14B can receive analysis data from the first server 10A via the first communication unit 12A and transmit the analysis data to the first server 10A. The second storage unit 16B stores various thresholds, parameters, fluid analysis models, learning data, or programs for fluid analysis. The second storage unit 16B also stores the analysis data received from the first server 10A and the analysis results generated by the fluid analysis unit 144.

[0132] In the fluid analysis system 1 shown in Fig. 12, the second server 10B is a server for performing fluid analysis, and the first server 10A operates as an intermediary server between the terminal device 30 and the second server 10B. Note that, although the actual fluid analysis is performed by the second server 10B, it can also be said that the first server 10A executes step S300 by having the second server 10B perform the fluid analysis. In other words, it can also be said that the above-described fluid analysis method is executed by the first server 10A.

[0133] 13 is a block diagram of another example of the fluid analysis system according to the embodiment 4. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram of the fluid analysis method according to the embodiment 4, and corresponds to the fluid analysis system shown in FIG.

[0134] 13 and 14, some of the input assistance processing is performed by the terminal device 30. The application 32 of the terminal device 30 includes a second input assistance processing unit 322 for performing some of the input assistance processing. The first control unit 14A includes a first input assistance processing unit 142 for executing the remaining input assistance processing. Note that other configurations not mentioned in the embodiment of FIG. 13 are the same as those in the embodiment of FIG. 12.

[0135] In one example, the second input assistance processor 142 performs a format check on the user-input data and displays an error message regarding a format error. If the application 32 determines that the user-input data does not contain a format error, the application 32 transmits the user-input data to the first server 10A. The first input assistance processor 142 performs input assistance processes, such as a substance check, data completion, and unit unification, on the user-input data received from the terminal device 30.

[0136] In another example, only a part of the format check in the input support processing is performed by the second input support processing unit 322. In another example, input support processing other than the format check is also performed by the second input support processing unit 322. For example, data complementation for air conditioning specification information, layout information, or other analysis conditions may be performed by the second input support processing unit 322.

[0137] The sequence diagram of FIG. 14 illustrates interactions between the terminal device 30, the first server 10A, and the second server 10B when the fluid analysis method is executed. First, the terminal input unit 34 of the terminal device 30 receives input from a user, generates user input data, and transmits the user input data to the second input assistance processing unit 322. The second input assistance processing unit 322 performs input assistance processing, such as format checking, on the user input data and transmits the processed user input data to the first server 10A. The first input assistance processing unit 142 of the first server 10A performs input assistance processing, such as data complementation, on the user input data received from the terminal device 30, generates analysis data, and transmits the analysis data to the second server 10B. The fluid analysis unit 144 of the second server 10B performs fluid analysis using the analysis data received from the first server 10A, generates analysis results, and transmits the analysis results to the first server 10A. The correction processing unit 146 of the first server 10A performs correction processing on the analysis result received from the second server 10B, generates display data, and transmits the display data to the terminal device 30. The terminal display unit 36 ​​of the terminal device 30 displays the display data received from the first server 10A to the user.

[0138] As described above, it can also be said that the first server 10A executes step S300 by having the second server 10B perform fluid analysis. Similarly, it can also be said that the first server 10A executes part of step S200 by having the terminal device 30 perform part of the input assistance process. In other words, it can also be said that the above-described fluid analysis method is executed by the first server 10A.

[0139] This completes the fluid analysis process by the fluid analysis system 1 with various configurations. By assigning at least some of the functions of the fluid analysis unit or the input assistance processing unit to another server or terminal device 30, the fluid analysis system 1 can be configured more flexibly. Furthermore, by dividing the servers by function, resources such as hardware can be allocated efficiently. For example, the first server 10A can accommodate a large number of terminal devices 30, but does not require hardware for fluid analysis calculations. For example, the first server 10A may be an application server that provides fluid analysis services to applications 32 on the terminal devices 30. Meanwhile, the second server 10B can perform fluid analysis calculations, but does not require the communication capabilities or hardware to accommodate a large number of terminal devices 30.

[0140] The configurations and fluid analysis techniques of the above-described first to fourth embodiments can be combined.

[0141] (Other embodiments) (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0142] (Technology 1) A fluid analysis method that can be used for the layout design of an air conditioner. The fluid analysis method includes the steps of receiving, via a terminal device, user input data including air conditioning specification information for the air conditioner, installation position information for the air conditioner, and layout information for the room in which the air conditioner is installed, executing an input assistance process that complements, converts, or inspects the user input data and generating analysis data, using the analysis data to perform a fluid analysis of the airflow blown out from the air conditioner in the room, and displaying display data including the analysis results on the terminal device.

[0143] This method allows for fluid analysis to be performed for the layout design of an air conditioner before the air conditioner is installed. Furthermore, by executing the input assistance process, even users without specialized knowledge of fluid analysis or architecture can obtain analysis results by simply entering simple data.

[0144] (Technology 2) The fluid analysis method according to Technology 1, further comprising the steps of receiving changed user input data via a terminal device, and performing reanalysis and redisplay in real time based on the changed user input data.

[0145] In this way, real-time analysis is possible in which the fluid analysis is performed again using the changed user input data, i.e., the analysis conditions, and this improves the usability for the layout design of air conditioners.

[0146] (Technology 3) The fluid analysis method according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the calculation time for the fluid analysis is within 3 minutes.

[0147] By shortening the calculation time for fluid analysis, high-speed analysis becomes possible. Using high-speed analysis makes real-time analysis possible, improving the usability for the layout design of air conditioners.

[0148] (Technology 4) A fluid analysis method according to any one of technologies 1 to 3, in which, in the input assistance process, complementary information to be used in fluid analysis is generated based on air conditioning specification information, installation position information, or layout information, and the complementary information is added to the analysis data.

[0149] Because the supplementary information used in fluid analysis is automatically generated, users who do not have specialized knowledge of fluid analysis or architecture can obtain analysis results by entering simple data.

[0150] (Technology 5) A fluid analysis method according to Technology 4, in which the air conditioning specification information of the air conditioner includes model information indicating the model of the air conditioner, and the complementary information includes at least one of the ventilation volume range, size, installation restrictions, blowing area, suction area, and blowing temperature of the air conditioner, linked to the model information.

[0151] Based on the model information, the ventilation volume range and installation restrictions of the air conditioner used in the fluid analysis can be obtained, and complementary information regarding the air conditioner can be generated from the information required to perform the fluid analysis.

[0152] (Technology 6) A fluid analysis method according to Technology 4 or 5, wherein the layout information includes information related to the shape of the room and the length of at least one side of the room, and the complementary information includes at least one of the length of a side not included in the layout information, calculated based on the information related to the shape of the room and the length of at least one side of the room, the material of the room wall linked to the information related to the shape of the room, and the heat transfer performance of the room wall linked to the information related to the shape of the room.

[0153] Based on the layout information, the length of the sides of the room and the material of the room walls used in the fluid analysis can be set, and complementary information about the room, which is part of the information required to perform the fluid analysis, can be generated.

[0154] (Technology 7) A fluid analysis method according to any one of technologies 4 to 6, wherein the layout information includes furniture specification information for at least one piece of furniture and furniture placement position information, and the complementary information includes at least one of the furniture size, material, heat transfer performance, ventilation range, and wind speed linked to the furniture specification information.

[0155] Based on the furniture specification information, the size and material of the furniture to be used in the fluid analysis can be set. If the furniture is a ventilation fan or electric fan, the ventilation volume and wind speed of the furniture to be used in the fluid analysis can be set. Therefore, among the information required to perform the fluid analysis, complementary information about the furniture can be generated.

[0156] (Technology 8) A fluid analysis method according to any one of techniques 1 to 7, wherein in the input assistance process, complementary information is generated to set air as the fluid to be analyzed, and the complementary information is added to the analysis data, and the complementary information includes at least one of the density, viscosity, thermal expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and initial temperature of the air.

[0157] By setting air as the fluid to be analyzed, it is possible to set the density and thermal conductivity of the air used in the fluid analysis, and to generate complementary information about the fluid that is required to perform the fluid analysis.

[0158] (Technology 9) The fluid analyzing method according to any one of Technologies 1 to 8, wherein the units of the physical quantities of the user input data are unified in the input assistance process.

[0159] Because the units of user-input data are automatically standardized, users can intuitively input parameters with different scales, such as the length of the sides of a room or the size of furniture.

[0160] (Technology 10) A fluid analysis method according to any one of techniques 1 to 9, wherein in the input assistance process, the user input data is checked for any formal errors, and if any formal errors are found, an error message is displayed, and the formal errors include missing information or improper formatting.

[0161] Since the system performs formal checks on user-entered data, it can prevent fluid analysis from being performed using insufficient or incorrect analysis conditions. In addition, it can prompt the user to add or correct the input by displaying an error message.

[0162] (Technology 11) In the input assistance process, a possible layout range of a room, an installation range of an air conditioner, and a placement range of at least one piece of furniture are calculated based on user input data, and the possible layout range, installation range, and placement range are checked for any substantial errors. If any substantial errors are found, an error message is displayed, and the substantial errors include at least one of the following: the installation range does not satisfy the installation restrictions of the air conditioner, the installation range or placement range is outside the possible layout range, and there is a defect in the placement range.

[0163] Since the system performs a substantive check on the user-entered data, it is possible to prevent fluid analysis from being performed using insufficient or incorrect analysis conditions, and by displaying an error message, it is possible to prompt the user to add or correct the input.

[0164] (Technology 12) A fluid analysis method according to any one of techniques 1 to 11, further comprising a step of performing a correction process on the analysis results, which includes at least one of image synthesis, data reduction, alignment with user-input data, deletion of information that does not need to be displayed, or generation of recommendations for the layout design of air conditioners, and generating display data.

[0165] By executing a correction process on the analysis results, it is possible to generate easy-to-understand display data and display it to the user.

[0166] (Technology 13) A fluid analysis method according to Technology 12, wherein in the correction process, the analysis results and layout information are combined, and the display data includes an image, animation, or video in which the analysis results and layout information are combined.

[0167] By combining the analysis results with the layout information, the analysis results and the layout information can be displayed simultaneously, and the relationship between the analysis results and the layout can be displayed more clearly.

[0168] (Technology 14) In the correction process, a contour diagram or vector diagram included in the analysis results is converted into a 2D animation, a 3D animation, or an interactive web page, and the converted contour diagram or vector diagram is combined with layout information. This is a fluid analysis method described in Technology 13.

[0169] By reducing the size of the contour or vector diagram of the analysis results before displaying them, it is possible to reduce the time required to transmit the display data to the terminal device and the resources of the terminal device used for display.

[0170] (Technology 15) The fluid analysis method according to any one of Techniques 12 to 14, wherein in the correction process, at least one of the analysis results, display data, user input data, and analysis data is stored.

[0171] By storing the analysis results or the display data, when the user wants to see the analysis results again, the analysis results can be displayed without re-executing the fluid analysis. By storing the user input data or the analysis data, the user can at least partially omit input when they want to check the conditions they entered or when they want to use at least some of the conditions they entered for a new analysis. This improves the usability of the fluid analysis.

[0172] (Technology 16) A fluid analysis system that can be used for air conditioner layout design includes a terminal device and a server. The terminal device is configured to receive user input data including air conditioning specification information for the air conditioner, installation location information for the air conditioner, and layout information for the room in which the air conditioner is installed, and to transmit the user input data to the server. The server is configured to receive the user input data from the terminal device, perform input assistance processing to complement, convert, or inspect the user input data, generate analysis data, perform fluid analysis using the analysis data, and transmit display data including the analysis results to the terminal device. The terminal device is further configured to receive and display the display data from the server.

[0173] This fluid analysis system allows for fluid analysis to be performed for the layout design of air conditioners before they are installed. Furthermore, by executing the input assistance process, even users without specialized knowledge of fluid analysis or architecture can obtain analysis results by simply entering simple data.

[0174] (Technology 17) The fluid analysis system described in Technology 16, wherein the terminal device is further configured to receive modified user input data and transmit the modified user input data to the server, and the server is further configured to perform reanalysis and redisplay in real time based on the modified user input data.

[0175] In this way, real-time analysis is possible in which the fluid analysis is performed again using the changed user input data, i.e., the analysis conditions, and this improves the usability for the layout design of air conditioners.

[0176] (Technology 18) In the fluid analysis system described in Technology 16 or 17, the server is configured to perform at least one of the following in the input assistance process: generating complementary information based on air conditioning specification information, installation location information, or layout information, and adding the complementary information to the analysis data; unifying the units of each physical quantity of the user input data; and inspecting the user input data for formal errors or substantive errors, and displaying an error message if a formal error or substantive error is found.

[0177] The input assistance process allows users who do not have specialized knowledge of fluid analysis or architecture to obtain analysis results by inputting simple data.

[0178] (Technology 19) A fluid analysis system according to any one of techniques 16 to 18, wherein the server is configured to perform a correction process on the analysis results, which includes at least one of image synthesis, data reduction, alignment with user input data, removal of information that does not need to be displayed, or recommendation generation, and generate display data, or to store at least one of the analysis results, display data, user input data, and analysis data during the correction process.

[0179] According to the correction process, it is possible to generate easy-to-understand display data and display it to the user, thereby improving the usability of the fluid analysis.

[0180] (Technology 20) A fluid analysis server that can be used for designing the layout of an air conditioner includes a communication unit connectable to a terminal device, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to receive user input data from the terminal device via the communication unit, including air conditioning specification information for the air conditioner, installation position information for the air conditioner, and layout information for the room in which the air conditioner is installed, perform input assistance processing to complement, convert, or inspect the user input data, generate analysis data, perform fluid analysis using the analysis data, and send display data including the analysis results to the terminal device for display.

[0181] This fluid analysis server allows for fluid analysis to be performed for the layout design of air conditioners before they are installed. Furthermore, by executing input assistance processing, even users without specialized knowledge of fluid analysis or architecture can obtain analysis results by simply entering simple data.

[0182] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present disclosure, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The present disclosure includes the contents described above in the drawings and the specific embodiments described above, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various disclosed embodiments or examples can be combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of the present disclosure are within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 1. Fluid analysis system 10 Servers 10A First Server 10B Second Server 12 Communications Department 12A First Communications Department 12B Second Communications Department 14 Control Unit 14A First control section 14B Second control section 142 (first) input assistance processing unit 144 Fluid Analysis Department 146 Correction processing section 16 Memory section 16A 1st memory section 16B 2nd memory section 30 Terminal Equipment 32 Applications 322 Second input auxiliary processing unit SC1~SC7 screens e1~e6 side

Claims

1. A fluid analysis method that can be used for layout design of an air conditioner, receiving user input data via a terminal device, the user input data including air conditioning specification information of the air conditioner, installation position information of the air conditioner, and layout information of the room in which the air conditioner is installed; performing an input assistance process to complete, convert, or validate the user input data to generate data for analysis; using the analysis data to perform a fluid analysis of an airflow blown out from an air conditioner in the room; displaying display data including the analysis results on the terminal device; Including, Fluid analysis method.

2. receiving modified user input data via the terminal device; performing real-time reanalysis and redisplay based on the modified user input data; further comprising: The fluid analysis method according to claim 1 .

3. The calculation time for the fluid analysis is within 3 minutes. The fluid analysis method according to claim 1 .

4. In the input assistance processing, complementary information to be used for fluid analysis is generated based on the air conditioning specification information, the installation position information, or the layout information, and the complementary information is added to the analysis data. The fluid analysis method according to claim 1 .

5. The air conditioning specification information of the air conditioner includes model information indicating a model of the air conditioner, The complementary information includes at least one of a ventilation volume range, a size, an installation restriction, a blowing area, a suction area, and a blowing temperature of the air conditioner, which are linked to the model information. The fluid analysis method according to claim 4.

6. the layout information includes information related to the shape of the room and the length of at least one side of the room; The complementary information is a length of a side not included in the layout information, calculated based on information related to the shape of the room and a length of at least one side of the room; The material of the wall of the room linked to the information related to the shape of the room; and The heat transfer performance of the walls of the room linked to information related to the shape of the room; at least one of: The fluid analysis method according to claim 4.

7. The layout information includes furniture specification information of at least one piece of furniture and arrangement position information of the furniture, The complementary information includes at least one of the size, material, heat transfer performance, ventilation volume range, and wind speed of the furniture linked to the furniture specification information. The fluid analysis method according to claim 4.

8. In the input assistance process, complementary information for setting air as a fluid to be analyzed is generated, and the complementary information is added to the analysis data; the complementary information includes at least one of density, viscosity, thermal expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and initial temperature of air; The fluid analysis method according to claim 1 .

9. In the input assistance process, the units of the physical quantities of the user input data are unified. The fluid analysis method according to claim 1 .

10. In the input assistance process, checking the user-entered data for formatting errors; If there is a formatting error, display an error message; The formal errors include omissions or improper formatting. The fluid analysis method according to claim 1 .

11. In the input assistance process, calculating a possible layout range of the room, an installation range of the air conditioner, and an arrangement range of at least one piece of furniture based on the user input data; Inspecting the layout range, the mounting range, and the placement range for any substantial errors; If there is a substantive error, display an error message; The substantial error includes at least one of the following: the installation range does not satisfy the installation restrictions of the air conditioner; the installation range or the placement range is outside the layoutable range; and there is a defect in the placement range. Including, The fluid analysis method according to claim 1 .

12. The method further includes a step of generating the display data by executing a correction process on the analysis results, which includes at least one of image synthesis, data reduction, alignment with the user input data, deletion of information that does not need to be displayed, or generation of recommendations for the layout design of the air conditioner. The fluid analysis method according to claim 1 .

13. In the correction process, the analysis result and the layout information are combined; the display data includes an image, animation, or video obtained by combining the analysis result and the layout information; The fluid analysis method according to claim 12.

14. In the correction process, the contour diagram or vector diagram included in the analysis result is converted into a 2D animation, a 3D animation, or an interactive web page, and the converted contour diagram or vector diagram is combined with the layout information. The fluid analysis method according to claim 13.

15. In the correction process, at least one of the analysis result, the display data, the user input data, and the analysis data is stored. The fluid analysis method according to claim 12.

16. A fluid analysis system that can be used for layout design of an air conditioner, a terminal device and a server, The terminal device receiving user input data including air conditioning specification information of the air conditioner, installation position information of the air conditioner, and layout information of the room in which the air conditioner is installed; Sending the user input data to the server It is structured as follows: The server receiving the user input data from the terminal device; performing an input assistance process to complete, convert, or validate the user input data to generate data for analysis; performing a fluid analysis using the analysis data; Transmitting display data including the analysis results to the terminal device It is structured as follows: The terminal device Receives the display data from the server and displays it further configured as follows: Fluid analysis system.

17. The terminal device receiving modified user input data; Sending the modified user input data to the server It is further structured as follows: The server Performing real-time reanalysis and redisplay based on the modified user input data. further configured as follows: The fluid analysis system of claim 16.

18. In the input assistance processing, the server generating complementary information based on the air conditioning specification information, the installation position information, or the layout information, and adding the complementary information to the analysis data; unifying the units of each physical quantity of the user input data; and checking the user-entered data for formal or substantive errors, and displaying an error message if the formal or substantive errors are present; configured to perform at least one of The fluid analysis system of claim 16.

19. The server performing a correction process on the analysis results, which includes at least one of image synthesis, data reduction, matching with the user input data, removal of information that does not need to be displayed, and recommendation generation, to generate the display data; or In the correction process, at least one of the analysis result, the display data, the user input data, and the analysis data is stored. It is configured as follows: The fluid analysis system of claim 16.

20. A fluid analysis server that can be used for layout design of an air conditioner, Can be connected to terminal devices and a communications department. A control unit, receiving, via the communication unit, user input data from the terminal device, the user input data including air conditioning specification information of the air conditioner, installation position information of the air conditioner, and layout information related to the room in which the air conditioner is installed; performing an input assistance process to complete, convert, or validate the user input data to generate data for analysis; performing a fluid analysis using the analysis data; Display data including the analysis results is transmitted to the terminal device and displayed. The control unit is configured as follows: Including, Fluid analysis server.

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