Estimation method, program, and estimation system

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to reduce the number of sensors required to estimate the distribution of environmental values. The estimation method comprises an acquisition step, a Kriging step, and a vertical extension step. In the Kriging step, the distribution of environmental values on a reference plane is obtained by the Kriging method on the basis of measurement values of the environmental values at the measurement positions of the sensors. In the vertical extension step, the distribution of environmental values in a vertical direction is obtained in a vertical area, which includes specific positions on the reference plane and extends in the height direction, on the basis of the environmental values at the specific positions obtained in the Kriging step and a function expressing a change in the environmental values in the height direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an estimation method, a program, and an estimation system, and more particularly to an estimation method, a program, and an estimation system for estimating the distribution of environmental values in at least a partial region of space.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding the temperature as an environmental value of space, a technique for estimating its distribution is described in Patent Document 1. The temperature distribution estimation device described in Patent Document 1 includes an acquisition unit, a spatial temperature characteristic estimation unit, and a temperature distribution estimation unit. The acquisition unit acquires a temperature data group including a plurality of measured temperatures measured at a plurality of measurement positions in a predetermined space. The spatial temperature characteristic estimation unit estimates a spatial temperature characteristic having anisotropy between the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of a predetermined space based on the temperature data group. The temperature distribution estimation unit performs spatial interpolation on the plurality of measured temperatures using a weight coefficient according to the distance from the plurality of measurement positions to an arbitrary estimation position in the predetermined space, and calculates the temperature at the estimation position, thereby estimating the temperature distribution of the predetermined space.

[0003] However, the temperature distribution estimation device described in Patent Document 1 requires a relatively large number of sensors to estimate the distribution of environmental values (temperature distribution).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an estimation method, a program, and an estimation system capable of reducing the number of sensors required for estimating the distribution of environmental values.

[0006] The estimation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure uses at least one of temperature, humidity, and the concentration of a predetermined substance as an environmental value, and estimates the distribution of the environmental value in at least a partial region of a space. The estimation method includes an acquisition step, a kriging step, and a vertical expansion step. In the acquisition step, a measured value of the environmental value at a measurement position in the space, measured by a sensor, is acquired. In the kriging step, the distribution of the environmental value on a reference plane is obtained by the kriging method based on the measured value of the environmental value at the measurement position. The reference plane intersects the height direction of the space and includes the measurement position of the sensor. In the vertical expansion step, the distribution of the environmental value in the height direction in a vertical region that includes a specific position on the reference plane and extends in the height direction is obtained based on the environmental value at the specific position obtained in the kriging step and a function representing the change in the environmental value in the height direction.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors of a computer system to execute the estimation method.

[0008] An estimation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure uses at least one of temperature, humidity, and the concentration of a predetermined substance as an environmental value, and estimates the distribution of the environmental value in at least a partial region of a space. The estimation system includes an acquisition unit, a kriging unit, and a vertical expansion unit. The acquisition unit acquires a measured value of the environmental value at a measurement position in the space, measured by a sensor. The kriging unit obtains the distribution of the environmental value on a reference plane by the kriging method based on the measured value of the environmental value at the measurement position. The reference plane intersects the height direction of the space and includes the measurement position of the sensor. The vertical expansion unit obtains the distribution of the environmental value in the height direction in a vertical region that includes a specific position on the reference plane and extends in the height direction based on the environmental value at the specific position obtained by the kriging unit and a function representing the change in the environmental value in the height direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In each of the following embodiments, the estimation method, program, and estimation system of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, each of the following embodiments is only a part of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Each of the following embodiments can be variously modified according to design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Also, each of the figures described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in the figure does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) (Overview) As shown in FIG. 1, the estimation method of the present embodiment uses at least one of temperature, humidity, and the concentration of a predetermined substance (temperature in FIG. 1) as an environmental value, and estimates the distribution of the environmental value in at least a part of the region of the space SP1 (see FIG. 7). The predetermined substance is, for example, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, fine particles in the air, or the like.

[0012] The space SP1 is, for example, an indoor space of a facility. Examples of the facility include a house, a store, an office building, a factory, a warehouse, a complex commercial facility, a library, an art museum, a museum, a play facility, an airport, a railway station, a stadium, a hotel, and a hospital. In addition, the facility may be a moving body such as a ship and a railway vehicle.

[0013] The above estimation method includes an acquisition step (step ST5), a kriging step (step ST6), and a vertical expansion step (step ST9). In the acquisition step, the measured value of the environmental value at the measurement position in the space SP1 measured by the sensor 3 is acquired. In the kriging step, the distribution of the environmental value on the reference plane 51 (see FIG. 7) is obtained by the kriging method based on the measured value of the environmental value at the measurement position. The reference plane 51 intersects the height direction of the space SP1 and includes the measurement position of the sensor 3. In the vertical expansion step, the distribution of the environmental value in the height direction in the vertical regions 61 to 64 that include the specific positions 31 to 34 of the reference plane 51 and extend in the height direction is obtained based on the environmental values at the specific positions 31 to 34 obtained in the kriging step and the function representing the change in the environmental value in the height direction.

[0014] According to the present embodiment, the distribution of environmental values in the vertical regions 61 to 64 is obtained by the vertical expansion step. Therefore, the number of sensors 3 can be reduced as compared with the case where a plurality of sensors 3 are installed in one vertical region.

[0015] In the present embodiment, the specific positions 31 to 34 coincide with the measurement positions of the (plural) sensors 3. That is, the environmental values at the specific positions 31 to 34 obtained in the kriging step coincide with the measured values of the (plural) sensors 3. Therefore, the vertical expansion step can be rephrased as follows. The vertical expansion step is a step of obtaining the distribution of environmental values in the height direction in the vertical regions 61 to 64 that extend in the height direction including the measurement positions, based on the measured values obtained in the acquisition step and a function representing the change in environmental values in the height direction.

[0016] By the above estimation method, the three-dimensional distribution of environmental values is estimated. In the present embodiment, the case where the temperature distribution is estimated by the above estimation method will be described as an example. That is, in the present embodiment, the environmental value is temperature.

[0017] Further, the above estimation method can be embodied by a program. The program of the present embodiment is a program for causing one or more processors of a computer system to execute the above estimation method. The program may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system.

[0018] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the above estimation method can be implemented by an estimation system 1. The estimation system 1 uses at least one of temperature, humidity, and the concentration of a predetermined substance as an environmental value, and estimates the distribution of environmental values in at least a part of the region of the space SP1. The estimation system 1 includes an acquisition unit 21, a kriging unit 22, and a vertical expansion unit 23. The acquisition unit 21 acquires the measured value of the environmental value at the measurement position in the space SP1 measured by the sensor 3. The kriging unit 22 obtains the distribution of the environmental value on the reference plane 51 by the kriging method based on the measured value of the environmental value at the measurement position. The reference plane 51 intersects the height direction of the space SP1 and includes the measurement position of the sensor 3. The vertical expansion unit 23 obtains the distribution of the environmental value in the height direction in the vertical regions 61 to 64 that include the specific positions 31 to 34 of the reference plane 51 and extend in the height direction, based on the environmental values at the specific positions 31 to 34 obtained by the kriging unit 22 and a function representing the change in the environmental value in the height direction.

[0019] (Details) (1) Estimation method First, the configuration of the estimation system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0020] The estimation system 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, and a processing unit 2.

[0021] Also, the estimation system 1 acquires detection results from a plurality (four in FIG. 10) of sensors 3. Each sensor 3 in the present embodiment is a temperature sensor. The estimation system 1 acquires the measured value of temperature from each sensor 3.

[0022] The estimation system 1 includes a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. At least some functions of the estimation system 1 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, may be provided through an electrical communication line such as the Internet, or may be provided by being recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

[0023] The processing unit 2 includes the above-described one or more processors. The processing unit 2 includes an acquisition unit 21, a kriging unit 22, and a vertical expansion unit 23. Note that the acquisition unit 21, the kriging unit 22, and the vertical expansion unit 23 merely indicate functions realized by the processing unit 2, and do not necessarily indicate physical configurations. Further, the acquisition unit 21, the kriging unit 22, and the vertical expansion unit 23 are the minimum functions provided by the processing unit 2, and the functions of the processing unit 2 are not limited thereto.

[0024] The acquisition unit 21 acquires the measured temperature value measured by the sensor 3 via the communication unit 11. The kriging unit 22 obtains the temperature distribution on the reference plane 51 by the kriging method. The vertical expansion unit 23 obtains the temperature distribution in the height direction in the vertical regions 61 to 64.

[0025] The communication unit 11 includes a communication interface device. The communication unit 11 can communicate with a plurality of sensors 3 via the communication interface device. "Capable of communication" as used in the present disclosure means that signals can be transmitted and received directly or indirectly via a network or a repeater or the like by an appropriate communication method of wired communication or wireless communication.

[0026] The storage unit 12 is a storage device configured by a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) or the like. The storage unit 12 stores information. The storage unit 12 stores, for example, a program executed by the processing unit 2.

[0027] The operation unit 13 receives a user operation. The operation unit 13 has, for example, at least one of a button, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, a touch panel, and a touch panel display.

[0028] The display unit 14 includes a display. The display unit 14 displays an image. The display unit 14 displays the temperature distribution obtained by the estimation method. More specifically, the display unit 14 displays, for example, a three-dimensional image of the space SP1 in which the space SP1 is color-coded according to the temperature level.

[0029] (2) Estimation method Next, the overall flow of the estimation method will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and the like. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example of the estimation method according to the present disclosure, and the order of processing may be appropriately changed, or processing may be appropriately added or omitted.

[0030] FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate the outline of the estimation method of the present embodiment. First, as shown in FIG. 4A, a plurality (four) of sensors 3 are arranged on the reference plane 51. Next, based on the measurement values of each sensor 3, the temperature distribution of the reference plane 51 is obtained by the Kriging method as shown in FIG. 4B. Next, as shown in FIG. 4C, the temperature distributions of a plurality (four) of vertical regions 61 to 64 extending in the height direction from a plurality (four) of specific positions 31 to 34 (here, the measurement positions of the sensors 3) on the reference plane 51 are obtained based on a function. Further, the estimated temperatures of a plurality (four) of extended positions 71 to 74 on the extended plane 52 parallel to the reference plane 51 are extracted from the temperature distributions of the plurality of vertical regions 61 to 64. Based on the estimated temperatures of the four extended positions 71 to 74, the temperature distribution of the extended plane 52 is obtained by the Kriging method as shown in FIG. 4D. By performing such processing on a plurality of extended planes 52 to 55, as shown in FIG. 8, the temperature distributions of the reference plane 51 and the plurality of extended planes 52 to 55 are obtained. In the estimation method of the present embodiment, data including the temperature distributions in each of the reference plane 51 and the plurality of extended planes 52 to 55 is used as the distribution of the environmental value (temperature) in the space SP1. The number of extended planes can be set as appropriate. By increasing the number of extended planes, the temperature distribution can be obtained with higher resolution.

[0031] Further, the estimation method of the present embodiment further includes a simulation step (step ST2) of simulating the distribution of the environmental value (temperature) in the space SP1. The temperature distribution obtained in the simulation step may be different from the temperature distribution finally obtained and output by the estimation method. By executing the estimation method of the present embodiment, it may be possible to obtain a temperature distribution with higher accuracy than the temperature distribution obtained in the simulation step. In particular, in the estimation method of the present embodiment, since the temperature distribution is obtained by the kriging method based on the measurement values of the plurality of sensors 3, there is an advantage that the actual temperature distribution in the space SP1 is easily reflected.

[0032] Next, please refer to FIG. 1. First, in order to perform the simulation of the temperature distribution in step ST2, simulation conditions are set (step ST1). More specifically, for example, the user operates the operation unit 13 to set the simulation conditions. Note that at least some of the simulation conditions may be automatically set by the estimation system 1. In the present embodiment, the simulation in step ST2 is a thermal fluid simulation.

[0033] Setting the simulation conditions includes, for example, setting when to estimate the temperature distribution. Specifically, seasons, times, etc. are set. Also, setting the simulation conditions includes, for example, acquiring the design data of the facility including the space SP1. In the present embodiment, the design data is 3D model data. Also, setting the simulation conditions includes, for example, acquiring information regarding the operating conditions of the equipment installed in the facility. The equipment is, for example, the air conditioner A1 (see FIG. 7) and the heat source. Regarding the air conditioner A1, the operating conditions are, for example, the position of the air conditioner A1, the set temperature, the set wind speed, the set air volume, the direction of the air outlet, and the temperature of the air outlet. Also, setting the simulation conditions includes, for example, setting information regarding the weather. The information regarding the weather is, for example, the solar radiation amount and the weather.

[0034] Next, the processing unit 2 performs a simulation (step ST2). An example of the simulation result is shown in FIG. 5.

[0035] More specifically, the simulation in step ST2 is a simulation for obtaining the three-dimensional temperature distribution in the space SP1. That is, when three coordinate axes orthogonal to each other are defined as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, and the coordinates in the space SP1 are represented by P(x, y, z), for any coordinate P(x, y, z) belonging to the space SP1, the corresponding temperature T(P(x, y, z)) is obtained by step ST2. For example, the entire room shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 is set as the space SP1 to be simulated. In this case, the temperature distribution of the entire room is obtained by step ST2.

[0036] Here, the simulation is performed based on at least the three-dimensional model data of the facility. Further, when at least the temperature among the temperature, humidity, and concentration of a predetermined substance is used as the environmental value, it is preferable that the simulation is performed based on the temperature information of the air outlet of the air conditioner A1 that air-conditions the space SP1. Thereby, the accuracy of the simulation is improved.

[0037] That is, in the simulation step, it is preferable to obtain the temperature distribution on the reference plane 51 by a simulation based on the three-dimensional model data and the temperature information of the air outlet of the air conditioner A1 that air-conditions the space SP1. The temperature information of the air outlet may be measured by a temperature sensor installed separately from the above-described sensor 3, or may be measured by the air conditioner A1.

[0038] Next, the processing unit 2 determines the arrangement of the plurality of sensors 3. First, the processing unit 2 extracts data on the temperature distribution of the reference plane 51 from the temperature distribution obtained in step ST2. The reference plane 51 may be predefined or determined by the user operating the operation unit 13. The reference plane 51 includes the measurement positions of the plurality of sensors 3 and is a plane that intersects the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the space SP1. In the present embodiment, the space SP1 includes the ceiling surface C1 (see FIG. 7), and the reference plane 51 is the ceiling surface C1 of the space SP1. Also, in the present embodiment, a plurality of sensors 3 are provided on the reference plane 51 (see FIG. 7).

[0039] After the processing unit 2 extracts the data on the temperature distribution of the reference plane 51, it identifies at least one position where the temperature is maximum or minimum in this data (step ST3), and sets this position as the measurement position (installation position) of the sensor 3. FIG. 6 is an example of data on the temperature distribution of the reference plane 51 extracted from the simulation results. Based on the data shown in FIG. 6, the processing unit 2 determines, for example, that the temperature is maximum or minimum at four positions 3m respectively, and sets these four positions 3m as the measurement positions of the sensor 3 respectively.

[0040] The processing unit 2 notifies the user of the four positions 3m. For example, the processing unit 2 causes the display unit 14 to display the four positions 3m. Looking at the display unit 14, the user installs four sensors 3 at the four positions 3m in the actual space SP1 (step ST4). Alternatively, if the user determines that the four positions 3m displayed on the display unit 14 are not appropriate, the user resets the simulation conditions so that an appropriate position is identified as the measurement position of the sensor 3, and repeats steps ST1 to ST3.

[0041] Thus, the estimation method of this embodiment further includes a simulation step (step ST2) and a measurement position determination step (step ST3). In the simulation step, the distribution of environmental values (temperature) on the reference plane 51 is obtained by simulation based on the three-dimensional model data of the facility. The facility includes the space SP1. In the measurement position determination step, at least one position in the reference plane (51) where the environmental value (temperature) becomes maximum or minimum on the reference plane 51 in the above simulation is set as the measurement position of the sensor 3.

[0042] After a plurality (here, four) of sensors 3 are installed, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the measurement values of each sensor 3 (step ST5). Here, the measurement value is the measured temperature.

[0043] Next, the kriging unit 22 obtains the temperature distribution of the reference plane 51 by the kriging method based on the measurement values of each sensor 3 (step ST6). Details of the kriging method will be described later. FIG. 8 shows an example of the temperature distribution of the reference plane 51 obtained in step ST6.

[0044] Next, the processing unit 2 corrects the simulation result (temperature distribution) in step ST2 based on the measurement values of the plurality of sensors 3 (step ST7). More specifically, the processing unit 2 adapts the simulation result to the measurement values of the plurality of sensors 3.

[0045] For example, focus on one of the plurality of sensors 3. The processing unit 2 obtains a value (difference) obtained by subtracting the temperature at the measurement position of the sensor 3 obtained by simulation from the measurement value of the sensor 3. Similarly for the other sensors 3, the processing unit 2 obtains a value (difference) obtained by subtracting the temperature at the measurement position of the sensor 3 obtained by simulation from the measurement value of the sensor 3. The processing unit 2 corrects the simulation result according to each difference. More specifically, for example, the processing unit 2 adds the average value of the differences to the temperature obtained by simulation. Even more specifically, the corrected simulation result is obtained by adding the average value of the differences to the temperatures at all coordinates where the temperature was obtained by simulation. Thereby, the deviation between the simulation result and the measurement value of the sensor 3 is reduced.

[0046] The simulation result mentioned after step ST8 means the corrected simulation result.

[0047] As described above, in the simulation step (step ST2), the distribution of the environmental value (temperature) in the space SP1 is obtained. The space SP1 has a length in the height direction. Therefore, the simulation result includes the temperature distribution in the height direction.

[0048] The estimation method of this embodiment further has a function determination step (step ST8). In the function determination step, a function representing the change in the environmental value in the height direction (Z-axis direction) is determined based on the distribution of the environmental values in the space SP1 obtained in the simulation step. In step ST9, the temperature distributions of the plurality of vertical regions 61 to 64 (see FIG. 7) are obtained using the function.

[0049] The vertical regions 61 to 64 are, for example, rectangular parallelepiped-shaped regions. Note that the vertical regions 61 to 64 only need to have a length at least in the Z-axis direction and do not need to have lengths in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0050] A plurality of functions representing changes in environmental values in the height direction of the space SP1 are defined. The plurality of functions correspond one-to-one to a plurality of vertical regions 61 to 64. That is, four functions are defined here. Each of the plurality of vertical regions 61 to 64 includes corresponding specific positions 31 to 34 (here, the measurement positions of the sensor 3). That is, the vertical region 61 includes the specific position 31, the vertical region 62 includes the specific position 32, the vertical region 63 includes the specific position 33, and the vertical region 64 includes the specific position 34.

[0051] In the vertical expansion step (step ST9), for each of the plurality of vertical regions 61 to 64, the distribution of environmental values in the height direction is obtained based on the environmental values at the corresponding specific positions 31 to 34 obtained in the kriging step (step ST6) and the corresponding function among the plurality of functions. That is, focusing on the vertical region 61, in the vertical expansion step, the distribution of environmental values in the height direction in the vertical region 61 is obtained based on the environmental value at the specific position 31 obtained in the kriging step and the function representing the change in environmental values in the height direction of the vertical region 61.

[0052] The process of determining the function corresponding to the vertical region 61 in the function determination step (step ST8) will be described. First, the processing unit 2 extracts the temperature distribution of the vertical region 61 from the simulation results. Thereby, an estimated value of the temperature for each Z coordinate (height) in the vertical region 61 is obtained. The plurality of black circles in FIG. 9 represent the estimated values of the temperature for each Z coordinate. Next, the processing unit 2 approximates the relationship between the Z coordinate and the temperature in the vertical region 61 with a function. Thus, the function corresponding to the vertical region 61 (the solid line portion L1 in FIG. 9) is determined. For example, the processing unit 2 obtains the relationship between the Z coordinate and the temperature by regression analysis. Also, the function obtained in this way is, for example, a linear function.

[0053] Functions corresponding to the vertical regions 62 to 64 are determined by the same process as the process of determining the function corresponding to the vertical region 61.

[0054] In the vertical expansion step (step ST9), the distribution of the environmental value (temperature) in the height direction in the vertical region 61 is obtained based on the environmental value at the specific position 31 obtained in the kriging step (here, equal to the measured value of sensor 3 with the specific position 31 as the measurement position) and the corresponding function. For example, assume that the Z coordinate of the specific position 31 and the measured value of sensor 3 with the specific position 31 as the measurement position are represented by the white circle D1 in Fig. 9. At this time, the function (the dashed line part L2) obtained by translating the function (the solid line part L1) to the position of the white circle D1 is the temperature distribution obtained in the vertical expansion step. That is, by superimposing the function on the measured value of sensor 3, the temperature distribution in the vertical region 61 is obtained.

[0055] Hereinafter, a general method for obtaining the temperature distribution in the vertical region 61 in the vertical expansion step will be described. Here, the function representing the temperature T corresponding to the vertical region 61 is expressed as the sum of a function f(z) dependent on the Z coordinate and a constant C. That is, let T = f(z) + C. Also, let the coordinates of the white circle D1 in Fig. 9 be (z0, T0). In other words, let the Z coordinate of the specific position 31 be z0, and the environmental value at the specific position 31 obtained in the kriging step be T0. At this time, using D obtained by T0 = f(z0) + D, the temperature distribution t in the vertical region 61 is obtained as t = f(z) + D.

[0056] In the vertical expansion step, the temperature distributions of the vertical regions 62 to 64 are obtained by the same process as the process for obtaining the temperature distribution in the vertical region 61.

[0057] Next, in step ST10, the processing unit 2 selects an expansion plane. The more the number of expansion planes, the higher the resolution of the temperature distribution. The user may set the number of expansion planes according to the required resolution. Also, the plurality of expansion planes may be arranged at equal intervals or at non-equal intervals. Here, as shown in Fig. 8, assume that four expansion planes 52 to 55 are arranged at equal intervals below the reference plane 51. In step ST10, the processing unit 2 selects one of the expansion planes 52 to 55. First, the case where the expansion plane 52 is selected will be described.

[0058] The Kriging unit 22 obtains the temperature distribution of the extended plane 52 by the Kriging method (step ST11). More specifically, the processing unit 2 first extracts the estimated temperature at the extension position 71 (see FIG. 4D) on the extended plane 52 from the temperature distribution of the vertical region 61 obtained in step ST9. Similarly, the processing unit 2 extracts the estimated temperatures at the extension positions 72 to 74 from the temperature distributions of the vertical regions 62 to 64. Next, the Kriging unit 22 obtains the temperature distribution of the extended plane 52 by the Kriging method based on the estimated temperatures at the extension positions 71 to 74.

[0059] Steps ST10 and ST11 are repeated until the end condition is satisfied (see step ST12). Here, the end condition is that the temperature distributions are obtained by the Kriging method for all the preset extended planes 52 to 55.

[0060] Thus, the estimation method of this embodiment further includes an extraction step and an extended Kriging step. In the extraction step, the environmental values at the extension positions 71 to 74 are extracted from the distribution of the environmental values in the height direction in the vertical regions 61 to 64 obtained in the vertical extension step. The extension positions 71 to 74 are included in the extended plane 52 parallel to the reference plane 51. The extension positions 71 to 74 are arranged in the height direction (Z-axis direction) with respect to the specific positions 31 to 34. More specifically, the plurality of extension positions 71 to 74 are each arranged in the height direction with respect to the corresponding specific position. Even more specifically, the extension position and the corresponding specific position have the same X and Y coordinates and different Z coordinates.

[0061] In the extended Kriging step, the distribution of the environmental values on the extended plane 52 is obtained by the Kriging method based on the environmental values extracted in the extraction step.

[0062] A plurality of extended planes as described above are defined. In FIG. 8, extended planes 52 to 55 are defined. The estimation method obtains the distribution of environmental values in each of the plurality of extended planes 52 to 55 by executing an extraction step and an extended kriging step for each of the plurality of extended planes 52 to 55. Further, data including the distribution of environmental values in each of the reference plane 51 and the plurality of extended planes 52 to 55 is used as the distribution of environmental values in the space SP1.

[0063] When the end condition is satisfied in step ST12 (step ST12: Yes), the display unit 14 displays the temperature distribution obtained by the kriging method (step ST13). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the temperature distribution of the reference plane 51 and the temperature distributions of the plurality of extended planes 52 to 55 may be displayed respectively. Alternatively, by interpolating the data of the temperature distribution in the gaps between the reference plane 51 and the plurality of extended planes 52 to 55 so as to smoothly connect the temperature distribution of the reference plane 51 and the temperature distributions of the plurality of extended planes 52 to 55, a three-dimensional temperature distribution may be displayed as in FIG. 5. Also, the temperature distribution may be represented numerically and output.

[0064] Also, by repeatedly executing steps ST5 to ST13, it is possible to update the distribution of environmental values following the change in the environmental values (temperature) measured by the plurality of sensors 3.

[0065] (3) Details of the Kriging Method Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, an example of the kriging method executed in the estimation method will be described.

[0066] In step ST6, based on the measured values of the plurality of sensors 3, the temperature distribution of the reference plane 51 is obtained by the kriging method. On the other hand, in step ST11, the measured values of the plurality of sensors 3 are replaced with the environmental values at the extended positions 71 to 74, the reference plane 51 is replaced with the extended plane 52 (or extended planes 53, 54, 55), and the temperature distribution of the extended plane 52 (or extended planes 53, 54, 55) is obtained in the same procedure as in step ST6. Therefore, hereinafter, only the kriging method executed in step ST6 will be described, and the description of the kriging method executed in step ST11 will be omitted.

[0067] The kriging method shown in FIG. 2 is the ordinary kriging method. As shown in FIG. 2, the processing unit 2 first creates a theoretical variogram (step ST21). Details of the process of creating the theoretical variogram will be described later.

[0068] Next, the processing unit 2 acquires a variogram matrix between the respective measurement positions of the plurality of sensors 3 (step ST22).

[0069] Next, the processing unit 2 selects the coordinates of the estimation point (step ST23). The estimation point is the coordinates of the target for which the environmental value (temperature) is estimated. Here, the estimation point is a point on the reference plane 51.

[0070] Next, the processing unit 2 acquires a variogram matrix between the respective measurement positions of the plurality of sensors 3 and the estimation point (step ST24).

[0071] Then, the processing unit 2 solves the kriging equation (step ST25), and outputs the estimated value of the environmental value (temperature) at the estimation point and the estimation error variance obtained thereby (step ST26).

[0072] Until the termination condition of the kriging step is satisfied (see step ST27), the processing unit 2 repeats steps ST23 to ST26. Thereby, the processing unit 2 obtains the estimated values of the environmental values at each estimation point. The termination condition of the kriging step is, for example, that the estimated values of the environmental values at all points on the reference plane 51 are obtained.

[0073] Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 3, the process of creating a theoretical variogram will be described.

[0074] The processing unit 2 first searches for data pairs (step ST31). That is, two measurement positions are selected from among the plurality of measurement positions corresponding to the plurality of sensors 3. Next, the processing unit 2 calculates the distance between the two selected measurement positions (step ST32). Further, the processing unit 2 calculates the dissimilarity between the two selected measurement positions (step ST33). Also, the processing unit 2 rejects outliers (step ST34).

[0075] The processing unit 2 creates a variogram cloud by changing the data pairs and repeating steps ST31 to ST34 (see step ST35).

[0076] Next, the processing unit 2 creates an empirical variogram (also referred to as a sample variogram) (step ST36). Further, the processing unit 2 selects a theoretical variogram model (step ST37). The processing unit 2 fits the empirical variogram to the theoretical variogram model (step ST38).

[0077] The processing unit 2 repeats steps ST36 to ST38 (see step ST39). When creating the empirical variogram in step ST36, the lag setting is appropriately reviewed. In step ST37, a theoretical variogram model different from the once-selected theoretical variogram model is selected. The processing unit 2 repeats steps ST36 to ST38 to select the best-fitting theoretical variogram model and sets this theoretical variogram model as the theoretical variogram.

[0078] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, the estimation method according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11D. For the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals will be used and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] In Embodiment 1, the plurality of specific positions 31 to 34 coincide with the plurality of measurement positions of the plurality of sensors 3. However, at least one of the plurality of specific positions 31 to 34 may be a position different from the measurement position. In the present embodiment, among the plurality of specific positions 31 to 34, the specific position 31 coincides with the measurement position of one sensor 3, and the specific positions 32 to 34 are positions different from the measurement positions of any of the sensors 3.

[0080] First, as shown in FIG. 11A, a plurality (four) of sensors 3 are arranged on the reference plane 51. Next, based on the measurement values of each sensor 3, the temperature distribution of the reference plane 51 is obtained by the kriging method as shown in FIG. 11B. Next, as shown in FIG. 11C, the temperature distributions of the plurality (four) of vertical regions 61 to 64 extending in the height direction from the plurality (four) of specific positions 31 to 34 on the reference plane 51 are obtained based on the estimated temperatures of the specific positions 31 to 34 obtained by the kriging method and a function.

[0081] The method of obtaining the function is, for example, the same as that in Embodiment 1. That is, the processing unit 2 extracts the temperature distribution of the vertical region 61 from the simulation results. Thereby, the estimated value of the temperature for each Z coordinate (height) in the vertical region 61 is obtained. Next, the processing unit 2 approximates the relationship between the Z coordinate and the temperature in the vertical region 61 with a function. Thereby, the function corresponding to the vertical region 61 is obtained. Similarly, the corresponding functions are obtained for the vertical regions 62 to 64.

[0082] The temperature distribution of the vertical region 61 is obtained by superimposing the function on the estimated value at the specific position 31 obtained by the kriging method. Similarly, the temperature distributions of the vertical regions 62 to 64 are obtained by superimposing the function on the estimated values at the specific positions 32 to 34 obtained by the kriging method, respectively.

[0083] Furthermore, from the temperature distributions of the plurality of vertical regions 61 to 64, the estimated temperatures at a plurality (four) of expansion positions 71 to 74 on the expansion plane 52 parallel to the reference plane 51 are extracted. The plurality of vertical regions 61 to 64 correspond one-to-one with the plurality of expansion positions 71 to 74, and each vertical region includes the corresponding expansion position.

[0084] Based on the estimated temperatures at the four expansion positions 71 to 74, the temperature distribution of the expansion plane 52 is obtained by the Kriging method as shown in FIG. 11D. By performing such processing on the plurality of expansion planes 52 to 55, the temperature distributions of the reference plane 51 and the plurality of expansion planes 52 to 55 are obtained as shown in FIG. 8.

[0085] When the temperature distribution of the expansion plane 52 is obtained by the Kriging method, it is considered that the obtained temperature is more accurate at positions closer to the expansion positions 71 to 74. In the present embodiment, the X coordinates and Y coordinates of the specific positions 31 to 34 can be arbitrarily set, and thereby, the X coordinates and Y coordinates of the expansion positions 71 to 74 can be arbitrarily set. Therefore, for example, operations such as setting the position directly above the position where the temperature is desired to be obtained more accurately as the specific positions 31 to 34 are possible.

[0086] (Embodiment 3) Hereinafter, the estimation method according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A to 12D. For the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals will be given and the description thereof will be omitted. Embodiment 3 can be applied in combination with either of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0087] In this embodiment, the process of determining the measurement positions of the plurality of sensors 3 is different from that in Embodiment 1.

[0088] In addition to the acquisition step, the kriging step, and the vertical expansion step, the estimation method of this embodiment further includes a simulation step, a trial step, and a measurement position determination step. In the simulation step, a first distribution of environmental values on the reference plane 51 is obtained by simulation based on the three-dimensional model data of the facility including the space SP1. In the trial step, a second distribution of environmental values on the reference plane 51 is obtained. In the measurement position determination step, the measurement position of the sensor 3 is determined.

[0089] The trial step includes a trial extraction step and a trial kriging step. In the trial extraction step, environmental values at the temporarily set positions 81 to 84 in the reference plane 51 are extracted from the distribution of environmental values on the reference plane 51 obtained in the simulation step. In the trial kriging step, the distribution of environmental values on the reference plane 51 is obtained by the kriging method based on the environmental values extracted in the trial extraction step. In the measurement position determination step, when the difference between the first distribution obtained in the simulation step and the second distribution obtained in the trial step satisfies a predetermined condition, the temporarily set positions 81 to 84 in the trial extraction step are set as the measurement positions.

[0090] Since the content of the simulation step is the same as that of Embodiment 1, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0091] The trial extraction step will be described. As shown in FIG. 12A, the processing unit 2 divides the reference plane 51 into a grid pattern. A plurality of intersections of the vertical and horizontal lines of the grid are each candidates for the measurement position of the sensor 3. In FIG. 12A, 7×7 = 49 points on the reference plane 51 are candidates for the measurement position of the sensor 3. In the trial extraction step, a temporarily set position is determined, and the environmental value at the temporarily set position is extracted. The temporarily set position is randomly determined, for example, from among a plurality (49) of candidates for the measurement position of the sensor 3. In FIG. 12B, four points are determined as the temporarily set positions 81 to 84. The processing unit 2 extracts the environmental value of each of the temporarily set positions 81 to 84 from the distribution of environmental values obtained in the simulation step.

[0092] As a result, as shown in FIG. 12C, data of the coordinates of the provisional setting positions 81 to 84 and the environmental values of the respective provisional setting positions 81 to 84 are obtained. Based on this data, the processing unit 2 obtains the distribution of the environmental values on the reference plane 51 by the kriging method (trial kriging step: see FIG. 12D). The detailed processing of the trial kriging step is the same as the kriging step described in Embodiment 1. That is, in the kriging step of Embodiment 1, the distribution of the environmental values on the reference plane 51 is obtained based on the information on the measurement positions of the plurality of sensors 3 and the measured values of the plurality of sensors 3. On the other hand, in the trial kriging step of the present embodiment, the measurement positions of the plurality of sensors 3 are replaced with the provisional setting positions 81 to 84, and the measured values of the plurality of sensors 3 are replaced with the environmental values extracted in the trial extraction step, and the distribution of the environmental values on the reference plane 51 is obtained in the same procedure as the kriging step.

[0093] As described above, there exist the distribution of the environmental values on the reference plane 51 (the first distribution) obtained in the simulation step shown in FIG. 12A and the distribution of the environmental values on the reference plane 51 (the second distribution) obtained in the trial step shown in FIG. 12D.

[0094] Next, the processing unit 2 obtains the difference between the first distribution and the second distribution. The above difference is obtained, for example, by [Equation 1]. [Equation 1] δ=(Σ(Si - Ki) 2 ) 1 / 2 δ is the above difference. Si is the environmental value at the coordinate i extracted from the first distribution. Ki is the environmental value at the coordinate i extracted from the second distribution. The square of the difference between Si and Ki is integrated for all the coordinates on the reference plane 51.

[0095] The processing unit 2 repeats the trial step a plurality of times. Each time the processing unit 2 executes the trial step, it randomly resets the provisional setting positions. As a result, a plurality of combinations of the arrangement of each sensor 3 and δ (the difference) corresponding to the arrangement are obtained.

[0096] As described above, in the measurement positioning step, when the difference (δ) between the first distribution and the second distribution satisfies a predetermined condition, the temporarily set position in the trial extraction step is set as the measurement position. The predetermined condition is, for example, that δ (the difference) is minimized among a plurality of combinations of the arrangement of each sensor 3 and the δ (difference) corresponding to the arrangement. That is, the processing unit 2 determines the arrangement of the plurality of sensors 3 when δ (the difference) is minimized as the final arrangement of the plurality of sensors 3.

[0097] According to the present embodiment, the measurement position of each of the plurality of sensors 3 can be obtained in consideration of the simulation result and the result of the kriging method.

[0098] In addition, by randomly determining the arrangement (temporarily set position) of the plurality of sensors 3, the time required to determine the arrangement of the plurality of sensors 3 can be shortened as compared with the case of trying all possible arrangements.

[0099] When each sensor 3 measures a plurality of environmental values, the process of determining the measurement positions of the plurality of sensors 3 may be executed by paying attention to one of the plurality of environmental values. For example, when the sensor 3 is a temperature and humidity sensor and measures temperature and humidity, the first distribution and the second distribution for one of the temperature and humidity may be obtained, and the arrangement of the plurality of sensors 3 may be determined based on the difference between the first distribution and the second distribution.

[0100] (Embodiment 4) Hereinafter, the estimation method according to Embodiment 4 will be described. For the same configuration as in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted. Embodiment 4 can be applied in combination with at least one of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0101] Similar to Embodiment 1, the estimation method of the present embodiment has a process of obtaining the distribution of environmental values of the reference plane 51 and the vertical regions 61 to 64. On the other hand, the estimation method of the present embodiment does not have a process of obtaining the distribution of environmental values of the extended planes 52 to 55.

[0102] For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the processing unit 2 obtains the distribution of the environmental values of the reference plane 51, and as shown in FIG. 4C, the processing unit 2 obtains the distribution of the environmental values of the vertical regions 61 to 64. The processing unit 2 may use the distributions of the environmental values of the reference plane 51 and the vertical regions 61 to 64 as the final output.

[0103] As another example, as shown in FIG. 11B, the processing unit 2 obtains the distribution of the environmental values of the reference plane 51, and as shown in FIG. 11C, the processing unit 2 obtains the distribution of the environmental values of the vertical regions 61 to 64. The processing unit 2 may use the distributions of the environmental values of the reference plane 51 and the vertical regions 61 to 64 as the final output. Also, in FIG. 11C, the specific positions 31 to 34 can be set regardless of the positions of the sensors 3. Therefore, the number of specific positions may be larger than the number of sensors 3. By setting a large number of specific positions, more vertical regions are set, and the distribution of the environmental values of each vertical region is obtained. By setting a large number of specific positions, a plurality of vertical regions may occupy the entire space SP1, and as a result, the distribution of the environmental values of the entire space SP1 may be obtained. Of course, the distribution of the environmental values of only a part of the space SP1 may be obtained.

[0104] (Embodiment 5) Hereinafter, the estimation method according to Embodiment 5 will be described. For the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used and the description thereof is omitted. Embodiment 5 can be applied in combination with at least one of Embodiments 1 to 4.

[0105] In this embodiment, for a single space SP1, one function representing the change in the environmental values in the height direction of the space SP1 is defined. Also, a plurality of vertical regions 61 to 64 are defined. Each of the plurality of vertical regions 61 to 64 includes corresponding specific positions 31 to 34.

[0106] In the vertical expansion step, the distribution of the environmental values in the height direction in each of the plurality of vertical regions 61 to 64 is obtained based on the environmental values at the corresponding specific positions obtained in the kriging step and the above function.

[0107] That is, in the present embodiment, the function represents the change in the environmental value in the height direction of the entire space SP1. The distribution of the environmental values of the plurality of vertical regions 61 to 64 is obtained based on a common function.

[0108] The function may be determined, for example, based on the distribution of the environmental values at the representative point and the positions above and below it among the distributions of the environmental values of the entire space SP1 obtained in the simulation step. Alternatively, for example, the average value of the environmental values may be obtained for each height from the distribution of the environmental values of the entire space SP1 obtained in the simulation step, and the function may be determined based on this.

[0109] (Other Modification Examples of Embodiments 1 to 5) Hereinafter, other modification examples of Embodiments 1 to 5 will be listed. The following modification examples may be realized in appropriate combinations.

[0110] The number of sensors 3 is not limited to four, and may be one to three or five or more.

[0111] The environmental value is not limited to temperature, and may be humidity or the concentration of a predetermined substance. Also, a plurality of physical quantities (for example, temperature and humidity) may each be an environmental value, and the distribution of each environmental value may be obtained independently for each environmental value.

[0112] The reference plane 51 is not limited to the ceiling surface C1, and may be a surface away from the ceiling surface C1 (for example, the floor surface).

[0113] Some of the sensors 3 may be installed on a surface different from the reference plane 51.

[0114] It is not essential that the measurement position of the sensor 3 be determined by the estimation method or the estimation system 1. The measurement positions of at least some of the sensors 3 may be determined in advance, or may be determined by the user operating the operation unit 13.

[0115] The function representing the change in the environmental value in the height direction is not limited to a linear function and may be, for example, an Nth-order function (N is a natural number), an exponential function, a logarithmic function, or the like.

[0116] The function representing the change in the environmental value in the height direction may be generated by machine learning.

[0117] The function representing the change in the environmental value in the height direction is not limited to being determined in the estimation method and may be determined in advance.

[0118] The estimation system 1 may control a device (such as an air-conditioning device A1 or a heat source) that adjusts the environmental value based on the temperature distribution obtained by the estimation system 1.

[0119] The distribution of the environmental value obtained by the estimation system 1 or the estimation method may be replaced with another quantity and output. For example, the temperature distribution may be replaced with the perceived temperature or PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) and output.

[0120] The execution entity of the estimation system 1 or the estimation method in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and a memory as hardware. By the processor executing the program recorded in the memory of the computer system, at least a part of the functions as the execution entity of the estimation system 1 or the estimation method in the present disclosure is realized. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through a telecommunication line, or may be provided by being recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). Here, integrated circuits such as the IC or LSI mentioned here have different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, for an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the bonding relationship inside the LSI or reconfiguring the circuit section inside the LSI, it can also be adopted as a processor. The one or more electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip, or may be provided distributed on a plurality of chips. The plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be provided distributed on a plurality of devices. The computer system mentioned here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0121] Moreover, it is not an essential configuration of the estimation system 1 that a plurality of functions in the estimation system 1 are aggregated in one device, and the components of the estimation system 1 may be provided separately and distributed among a plurality of devices. For example, the device including the operation unit 13 may be provided separately from the device including the processing unit 2. Also, the device including the display unit 14 may be provided separately from the device including the processing unit 2.

[0122] Furthermore, at least some functions of the estimation system 1, for example, at least some functions of the kriging unit 22 may be realized by a server or a cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0123] (Summary) From the embodiments and the like described above, the following aspects are disclosed.

[0124] The estimation method according to the first aspect uses at least one of temperature, humidity, and the concentration of a predetermined substance as an environmental value, and estimates the distribution of environmental values in at least a part of a space (SP1). The estimation method includes an acquisition step, a kriging step, and a vertical expansion step. In the acquisition step, the measured value of the environmental value at the measurement position in the space (SP1) measured by the sensor (3) is acquired. In the kriging step, the distribution of the environmental value on the reference plane (51) is obtained by the kriging method based on the measured value of the environmental value at the measurement position. The reference plane (51) intersects the height direction of the space (SP1) and includes the measurement position of the sensor (3). In the vertical expansion step, the distribution of the environmental value in the height direction in the vertical region (61) that includes the specific position (31) and extends in the height direction of the reference plane (51) is obtained based on the environmental value at the specific position (31) obtained in the kriging step and a function representing the change in the environmental value in the height direction.

[0125] According to the above configuration, the distribution of the environmental value in the vertical region (61) is obtained by the vertical expansion step. Therefore, the number of sensors (3) can be reduced as compared with the case where a plurality of sensors (3) are installed in one vertical region (61).

[0126] Further, the estimation method according to the second aspect further has an estimation step including an extraction step and a Kriging extension step in the first aspect. In the extraction step, the environmental value at the extension position (71) is extracted from the distribution of the environmental values in the height direction in the vertical region (61) obtained in the vertical extension step. The extension position (71) is included in an extension plane (52) parallel to the reference plane (51) and is arranged in the height direction with respect to the specific position (31). In the Kriging extension step, the distribution of the environmental values in the extension plane (52) is obtained by the Kriging method based on the environmental values extracted in the extraction step. A plurality of extension planes (52) are defined. In the estimation step, the extraction step and the Kriging extension step are executed for each of the plurality of extension planes (52 to 55), thereby obtaining the distribution of the environmental values in each of the plurality of extension planes (52 to 55).

[0127] According to the above configuration, compared with the first aspect, the distribution of environmental values over a wider range can be obtained without increasing the number of sensors (3).

[0128] Further, in the estimation method according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the specific position (31) coincides with the measurement position of the sensor (3).

[0129] According to the above configuration, the distribution of the environmental values in the regions above and below the sensor (3) can be obtained.

[0130] Further, the estimation method according to the fourth aspect further has a simulation step and a measurement position determination step in any one of the first to third aspects. In the simulation step, the distribution of the environmental values in the reference plane (51) is obtained by simulation based on the three-dimensional model data of the facility including the space (SP1). In the measurement position determination step, at least one position in the reference plane (51) where the environmental value becomes maximum or minimum in the simulation is set as the measurement position of the sensor (3).

[0131] According to the above configuration, the distribution of the environmental values can be accurately obtained by the Kriging method.

[0132] Moreover, the estimation method according to the fifth aspect further includes a simulation step, a trial step, and a measurement position determination step in any one of the first to third aspects. In the simulation step, a first distribution of environmental values on the reference plane (51) is obtained by simulation based on three-dimensional model data of a facility including the space (SP1). In the trial step, a second distribution of environmental values on the reference plane (51) is obtained. In the measurement position determination step, the measurement position of the sensor (3) is determined. The trial step includes a trial extraction step and a trial kriging step. In the trial extraction step, environmental values at a temporarily set position (81) in the reference plane (51) are extracted from the distribution of environmental values on the reference plane (51) obtained in the simulation step. In the trial kriging step, the distribution of environmental values on the reference plane (51) is obtained by the kriging method based on the environmental values extracted in the trial extraction step. In the measurement position determination step, when the difference between the first distribution obtained in the simulation step and the second distribution obtained in the trial step satisfies a predetermined condition, the temporarily set position (81) in the trial extraction step is set as the measurement position.

[0133] According to the above configuration, the arrangement of the sensor (3) can be determined based on the difference between the environmental values obtained by simulation and the environmental values obtained by the kriging method (for example, so that the difference becomes relatively small).

[0134] In the estimation method according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, at least the temperature among temperature, humidity, and the concentration of a predetermined substance is used as the environmental value. In the simulation step, the distribution of temperature on the reference plane (51) is obtained by simulation based on the three-dimensional model data and the temperature information of the air outlet of the air conditioning equipment (A1) that air-conditions the space (SP1).

[0135] According to the above configuration, the accuracy of the simulation is improved.

[0136] Further, in the estimation method according to the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, in the simulation step, the distribution of the environmental values in the space (SP1) having a length in the height direction is obtained. The estimation method further includes a function determination step. In the function determination step, a function is determined based on the distribution of the environmental values in the space (SP1) obtained in the simulation step.

[0137] According to the above configuration, a function can be obtained according to the actual state of the space (SP1) obtained from the three-dimensional model data or the like.

[0138] Further, in the estimation method according to the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, for the space (SP1), a plurality of functions representing the change in the environmental values in the height direction of the space (SP1) are defined. The plurality of functions correspond one-to-one to a plurality of vertical regions (61 to 64). Each of the plurality of vertical regions (61 to 64) includes a corresponding specific position (31 to 34). In the vertical expansion step, the distribution of the environmental values in the height direction in each of the plurality of vertical regions (61 to 64) is obtained based on the environmental values at the corresponding specific positions (31 to 34) obtained in the kriging step and the corresponding function among the plurality of functions.

[0139] According to the above configuration, a function suitable for each position can be selected.

[0140] Further, in the estimation method according to the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, for a single space (SP1), one function representing the change in the environmental values in the height direction of the space (SP1) is defined. The vertical regions (61) are defined in plurality. Each of the plurality of vertical regions (61 to 64) includes a corresponding specific position (31 to 34). In the vertical expansion step, the distribution of the environmental values in the height direction in each of the plurality of vertical regions (61 to 64) is obtained based on the environmental values at the corresponding specific positions (31 to 34) obtained in the kriging step and the function.

[0141] According to the above configuration, the function can be made common.

[0142] Further, in the estimation method according to the tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the function is a linear function.

[0143] According to the above configuration, the distribution of the environmental values in the vertical region (61) can be accurately obtained.

[0144] Further, in the estimation method according to the eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the space (SP1) includes the ceiling surface (C1). The reference plane (51) is the ceiling surface (C1).

[0145] According to the above configuration, since the sensor (3) is installed near the ceiling surface (C1), foreign substances such as dust are less likely to adhere to the sensor (3). Also, the sensor (3) is less likely to be obstructive to people in the space (SP1).

[0146] Further, in the estimation method according to the twelfth aspect, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, a plurality of sensors (3) are provided on the reference plane (51).

[0147] According to the above configuration, the distribution of the environmental values can be obtained more accurately.

[0148] Regarding the configurations other than the first aspect, they are not essential configurations for the estimation method and can be appropriately omitted.

[0149] Further, the program according to the thirteenth aspect is a program for causing one or more processors of a computer system to execute the estimation method according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects.

[0150] According to the above configuration, the number of sensors (3) required for estimating the distribution of the environmental values can be reduced.

[0151] Further, the estimation system (1) according to the 14th aspect uses at least one of temperature, humidity, and the concentration of a predetermined substance as an environmental value, and estimates the distribution of the environmental value in at least a partial region of the space (SP1). The estimation system (1) includes an acquisition unit (21), a kriging unit (22), and a vertical expansion unit (23). The acquisition unit (21) acquires the measured value of the environmental value at the measurement position in the space (SP1) measured by the sensor (3). The kriging unit (22) obtains the distribution of the environmental value on the reference plane (51) by the kriging method based on the measured value of the environmental value at the measurement position. The reference plane (51) intersects the height direction of the space (SP1) and includes the measurement position of the sensor (3). The vertical expansion unit (23) obtains the distribution of the environmental value in the height direction in the vertical region (61) that includes the specific position (31) and extends in the height direction on the reference plane (51), based on the environmental value at the specific position (31) obtained by the kriging unit (22) and a function representing the change in the environmental value in the height direction.

[0152] According to the above configuration, the number of sensors (3) required for estimating the distribution of the environmental value can be reduced.

[0153] Not limited to the above aspect, various configurations (including modifications) of the estimation system (1) according to the embodiment can be embodied in an estimation method, a (computer) program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which the program is recorded.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0154] 1 Estimation system 3 Sensor 21 Acquisition unit 22 Kriging unit 23 Vertical expansion unit 31 - 34 Specific position 51 Reference plane 52 - 55 Expansion plane 61 - 64 Vertical region 71 - 74 Expansion position 81 - 84 Tentative setting position A1 Air conditioning equipment C1 Ceiling surface SP1 Space

Claims

1. An estimation method for estimating the distribution of the environmental value in at least a part of a space, with at least one of temperature, humidity, and the concentration of a predetermined substance as the environmental value, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a measured value of the environmental value at a measurement position in the space measured by a sensor; a kriging step of obtaining the distribution of the environmental value in a reference plane that intersects the height direction of the space and includes the measurement position of the sensor, based on the measured value of the environmental value at the measurement position by the kriging method; a vertical expansion step of obtaining the distribution of the environmental value in the height direction in a vertical region that includes a specific position in the reference plane and extends in the height direction, based on the environmental value at the specific position obtained in the kriging step and a function representing the change in the environmental value in the height direction; the estimation method.

2. an extraction step of extracting the environmental value at an expansion position that is included in an expansion plane parallel to the reference plane and arranged in the height direction with respect to the specific position, from the distribution of the environmental value in the height direction in the vertical region obtained in the vertical expansion step; an extended kriging step of obtaining the distribution of the environmental value in the expansion plane, based on the environmental value extracted in the extraction step by the kriging method; and a plurality of the expansion planes are defined, in the estimation step, the extraction step and the extended kriging step are executed for each of the plurality of expansion planes to obtain the distribution of the environmental value in each of the plurality of expansion planes. The estimation method according to Claim 1.

3. the specific position coincides with the measurement position of the sensor. The estimation method according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. a simulation step of obtaining the distribution of the environmental value in the reference plane by simulation based on three-dimensional model data of a facility including the space; and a measurement position determination step of setting, as the measurement position of the sensor, at least one position in the reference plane where the environmental value becomes maximum or minimum in the simulation. The estimation method according to Claim 1.

5. a simulation step of obtaining a first distribution of the environmental value in the reference plane by simulation based on three-dimensional model data of a facility including the space; A trial step of obtaining a second distribution of the environmental value in the reference plane; A measurement position determination step of determining the measurement position of the sensor, and further includes: The trial step includes: A trial extraction step of extracting the environmental value at a temporarily set position in the reference plane from the distribution of the environmental value in the reference plane obtained in the simulation step; A trial kriging step of obtaining the distribution of the environmental value in the reference plane by the kriging method based on the environmental value extracted in the trial extraction step; In the measurement position determination step, when the difference between the first distribution obtained in the simulation step and the second distribution obtained in the trial step satisfies a predetermined condition, the temporarily set position in the trial extraction step is set as the measurement position; The estimation method according to claim 1.

6. At least the temperature among the temperature, the humidity, and the concentration of the predetermined substance is used as the environmental value; In the simulation step, the distribution of the temperature in the reference plane is obtained by simulation based on the three-dimensional model data and the temperature information of the air outlet of the air conditioner that air-conditions the space; The estimation method according to claim 4 or 5.

7. In the simulation step, the distribution of the environmental value in the space having a length in the height direction is obtained; The method further includes a function determination step of determining the function based on the distribution of the environmental value in the space obtained in the simulation step; The estimation method according to claim 4 or 5.

8. A plurality of functions representing the change of the environmental value in the height direction of the space are defined; The plurality of functions correspond one-to-one to a plurality of vertical regions; Each of the plurality of vertical regions includes a corresponding specific position; In the vertical expansion step, the distribution of the environmental value in the height direction in each of the plurality of vertical regions is obtained based on the environmental value at the corresponding specific position obtained in the kriging step and the corresponding function among the plurality of functions; The estimation method according to claim 1.

9. For a single space, one function representing the change of the environmental value in the height direction of the space is defined; A plurality of vertical regions are defined; Each of the plurality of vertical regions includes a corresponding specific position; In the vertical expansion step, the distribution of the environmental value in the height direction in each of the plurality of vertical regions is obtained based on the environmental value at the corresponding specific position obtained in the kriging step and the function. The estimation method according to claim 1.

10. The function is a linear function. The estimation method according to claim 1.

11. The space includes a ceiling surface. The reference plane is the ceiling surface. The estimation method according to claim 1.

12. A plurality of the sensors are provided on the reference plane. The estimation method according to claim 1.

13. For causing one or more processors of a computer system to execute the estimation method according to claim 1 Program.

14. An estimation system for estimating the distribution of an environmental value in at least a part of a space, using at least one of temperature, humidity, and the concentration of a predetermined substance as the environmental value, comprising: An acquisition unit that acquires a measurement value of the environmental value at a measurement position in the space measured by a sensor; A kriging unit that obtains the distribution of the environmental value on a reference plane that intersects the height direction of the space and includes the measurement position of the sensor, by the kriging method based on the measurement value of the environmental value at the measurement position; A vertical expansion unit that obtains the distribution of the environmental value in the height direction in a vertical region that includes a specific position in the reference plane and extends in the height direction, based on the environmental value at the specific position obtained by the kriging unit and a function representing the change in the environmental value in the height direction. Estimation system.

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