Weather estimation device, weather estimation system, weather estimation method, and program

Abstract

The present invention achieves localized weather inference. An analysis unit (11) analyzes a vibration pattern of a solar panel on the basis of sensor data sensed by a sensor attached to the solar panel. An inference unit (12) infers the weather at the position of the solar panel on the basis of the vibration pattern of the solar panel. An output unit (13) outputs information based on the weather inference result.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a weather estimation device, a weather estimation system, a weather estimation method, and a recording medium, and more particularly to a weather estimation device, a weather estimation system, a weather estimation method, and a recording medium that utilize optical fiber sensing to perform local weather estimation. [Background technology]

[0002] Sensing technology is used in infrastructure facilities and buildings to detect cracks in concrete and monitor the occurrence of fires. For example, Patent Document 1 describes determining the peak frequency of vibration based on sensor data acquired from a vibration sensor installed on the surface of a building, and determining the condition of the surface of the structure based on the peak frequency of vibration.

[0003] Sensing technology has also begun to be used to estimate local weather conditions, such as weather forecasts for every 1 km in each direction or every 250 m in altitude. For example, Patent Document 2 describes a related technology in which environmental information such as temperature, humidity, or illuminance is acquired by a sensor installed in an automatic door, and the weather forecast algorithm is corrected based on the environmental information acquired by the sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6743458 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-124502 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The related technology described in Patent Document 2 cannot directly acquire weather information such as wind and rain using sensors, but can only acquire environmental information. Therefore, although the related technology described in Patent Document 2 can be used to correct weather forecast algorithms, it is difficult to estimate local weather conditions.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to realize local weather estimation using sensing technology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A weather estimation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an analysis means for analyzing the vibration pattern of a solar panel based on sensor data detected by a sensor attached to the solar panel, an estimation means for estimating the weather at the location of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel, and an output means for outputting information based on the estimated weather results.

[0008] In one aspect of the weather estimation method of the present invention, the vibration pattern of a solar panel is analyzed based on sensor data detected by a sensor attached to the solar panel, the weather at the location of the solar panel is estimated based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel, and information based on the estimated weather results is output.

[0009] A recording medium according to one aspect of the present invention stores a program for causing a computer to analyze the vibration pattern of a solar panel based on sensor data detected by a sensor attached to the solar panel, estimate the weather at the location of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel, and output information based on the estimated weather results.

[0010] A weather estimation system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a weather estimation device having an analysis means for analyzing the vibration pattern of a solar panel based on sensor data detected by a sensor attached to the solar panel, an estimation means for estimating the weather at the location of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel, and an output means for outputting information based on the estimated weather results; the solar panel to which the sensor is attached, an estimator that has learned the relationship between the vibration pattern of the solar panel and the weather at that time, and a sensor value database in which the sensor data detected by the sensor attached to the solar panel is stored. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, local weather estimation can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a weather estimation system including a weather estimation device according to any one of first to third embodiments. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a weather estimation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the weather estimation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a weather estimation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a weather estimation device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the weather estimation device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a weather estimation device according to any one of the first to third embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Some embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Weather Estimation System 1) First, an example of the configuration of a weather estimation system 1 including any one of the weather estimation devices 10, 20, and 30 according to the first to third embodiments will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, "weather estimation device 10 (20, 30)" refers to any one of the weather estimation devices 10, 20, and 30 according to the first to third embodiments.

[0015] 1, the weather estimation system 1 includes a solar panel 100, an estimator 200, a sensor value database 300, and a user terminal 400. The weather estimation system 1 may include a plurality of user terminals 400.

[0016] The solar panel 100 is fixed to a building. The solar panel 100 is also called a photovoltaic panel. The building here includes houses such as residential buildings and commercial facilities, as well as structures such as mounting frames. For example, the solar panel 100 is fixed to the roof of a house. The solar panel 100 converts solar energy (sunlight) into electricity. The solar panel 100 may be integrated into a power supply facility provided by a power company. A sensor 100A is attached to the solar panel 100.

[0017] The sensor 100A detects vibrations of the solar panel 100. Then, the sensor 100A outputs sensor data including an electrical signal (sensor value). The sensor data output from the sensor 100A is transmitted to the weather estimation device 10 (20, 30) via a network.

[0018] For example, the sensor 100A detects vibrations occurring in the solar panel 100 by measuring the displacement, speed, and acceleration of the solar panel 100. The sensor 100A is, for example, a piezoelectric, electromagnetic, capacitance, or laser Doppler vibration sensor. Note that the sensor 100A may be an acoustic sensor instead of a vibration sensor.

[0019] The estimator 200 learns the relationship between the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 and the weather at that time. The estimator 200 learns parameters (coefficients) that indicate the relationship between the type of weather (e.g., rain, wind, snow, hail) and the sensor value included in the sensor data, for example, by using a statistical method such as random forest.

[0020] Information indicating the type of weather in an area including the location of the solar panel 100 and the sensor data output by the sensor 100A at that time are linked to each other and stored together in the sensor value database 300. Furthermore, the sensor value database 300 may also store meteorological information other than the information indicating the type of weather (for example, rainfall, snowfall, wind speed).

[0021] The sensor data stored in the sensor value database 300 is used by the weather estimation device 10 (20, 30) to train the estimator 200 described above.

[0022] The user terminal 400 is an information terminal that can be connected to a network. The user terminal 400 is, for example, a car navigation system, a smartphone, a smart watch, or smart glasses.

[0023] When abnormal weather (for example, heavy rain, strong wind, or hail) is estimated to be occurring in an area including the location of the solar panel 100, an alert is delivered to the user terminal 400 (embodiment 2). The alert may be delivered to the user terminal 400 through a social network service (SNS) system.

[0024] The weather estimation devices 10, 20, and 30 will be described in the first to third embodiments below.

[0025] [Embodiment 1] The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0026] (Weather Estimation Device 10) The configuration of the weather estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the weather estimation device 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the weather estimation device 10 includes an analysis unit 11, an estimation unit 12, and an output unit 13.

[0027] The analysis unit 11 analyzes the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 based on sensor data detected by the sensor 100A attached to the solar panel 100. The analysis unit 11 is an example of an analysis means.

[0028] In one example, the analysis unit 11 acquires sensor data detected by the sensor 100A attached to the solar panel 100 from the sensor 100A (FIG. 1) via a network such as the Internet. The sensor data includes a sensor value. The sensor data reflects vibrations of the solar panel 100. The vibrations of the solar panel 100 are caused by rain or hail falling on the solar panel 100 or wind pressure applied to the solar panel 100.

[0029] The analysis unit 11 analyzes the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 based on the sensor data. In particular, the analysis unit 11 analyzes the vibration pattern associated with the type of weather (e.g., rain, snow, wind). For example, the analysis unit 11 analyzes the amplitude of the vibration, the presence or absence of periodicity, the period, or the duration of the vibration. The analysis unit 11 outputs the analysis result of the vibration pattern to the estimation unit 12.

[0030] The estimation unit 12 estimates the weather at the location of the solar panel 100 based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100. The estimation unit 12 is an example of an estimation means.

[0031] Here, the "position of the solar panel 100" corresponds to the location of a building such as a house to which the solar panel 100 is fixed.

[0032] In one example, the estimation unit 12 receives the analysis result of the vibration pattern from the analysis unit 11. For example, the analysis result of the vibration pattern includes information such as the amplitude of the vibration generated in the solar panel 100, whether or not the vibration is periodic, the period, or the duration of the vibration.

[0033] The estimation unit 12 estimates the weather at the location of the solar panel 100 using an estimator 200 (FIG. 1) that has learned the relationship between the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 and the weather at that time. For example, the estimation unit 12 inputs information indicating the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 to the estimator 200. The estimation unit 12 acquires information indicating the type of weather output from the estimator 200.

[0034] The estimation unit 12 outputs the estimated results of the weather at the position of the solar panel 100.

[0035] The output unit 13 outputs information based on the weather estimation result. The output unit 13 is an example of an output means.

[0036] In one example, the output unit 13 receives, from the estimation unit 12, an estimated result of the weather at the position of the solar panel 100. The output unit 13 outputs information based on the estimated result of the weather.

[0037] The information based on the weather estimation result is, for example, information indicating the estimated type of weather, such as rain, wind, etc. For example, the output unit 13 displays the information indicating the type of weather on a monitor (not shown).

[0038] Furthermore, the output unit 13 may output the information indicating the type of weather to an external device (for example, a Home Energy Management System (HEMS)) via the Internet, etc. The output unit 13 may also provide the information indicating the type of weather to a weather information service, an electric power company, etc.

[0039] Furthermore, when a pre-specified abnormal weather event (for example, heavy rain, strong wind, hail) is predicted, the output unit 13 may deliver an alert to a pre-registered user terminal 400 (FIG. 1).

[0040] It should be noted that the information based on the weather estimation results is not limited to the example described here.

[0041] (Operation of the weather estimation device 10) The operation of the weather estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by each unit of the weather estimation device 10.

[0042] 3, the analysis unit 11 analyzes the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 based on sensor data detected by a sensor 100A attached to the solar panel 100 (S1). The analysis unit 11 outputs information indicating the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 obtained as the analysis result (for example, the amplitude, period, or presence or absence of periodicity of the vibration) to the estimation unit 12.

[0043] The estimation unit 12 receives information indicating the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 from the analysis unit 11. The estimation unit 12 estimates the weather at the position of the solar panel 100 (i.e., the location of the building) based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 (S2). The estimation unit 12 outputs the estimated result of the weather at the position of the solar panel 100 to the output unit 13.

[0044] The output unit 13 receives the weather estimation result at the position of the solar panel 100 from the estimation unit 12. The output unit 13 outputs information based on the weather estimation result (S3). For example, the output unit 13 displays information indicating the type of weather on a monitor (not shown). Note that in step S3, the output unit 13 may also output information indicating the characteristics of the weather (for example, light / strong rain, light / strong wind) along with the information indicating the type of weather.

[0045] This completes the operation of the weather estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0046] (Variation) In the first embodiment, the estimation unit 12 of the weather estimation device 10 estimates the weather at the position of the solar panel 100 using an estimator 200 that has learned the relationship between the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 and the weather at that time. However, the estimation unit 12 can also estimate the weather using other information in addition to the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100.

[0047] In one variation, the estimation unit 12 acquires data on the amount of power generated by the solar panel 100 or the hours of sunshine over a recent predetermined period from a HEMS (not shown) or the like. The estimation unit 12 estimates the weather at the location of the solar panel 100 based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 and the data on the amount of power generated or the hours of sunshine over a recent predetermined period.

[0048] For example, the estimation unit 12 compares the reliability of a weather estimation result based only on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 with the reliability of a weather estimation result using data on the amount of power generation or hours of sunshine. If the reliability of the former estimation result is higher than the reliability of the latter estimation result, the estimation unit 12 outputs the weather estimation result based only on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 to the output unit 13. On the other hand, if the reliability of the latter estimation result is higher than the reliability of the former estimation result, the estimation unit 12 outputs the weather estimation result using data on the amount of power generation or hours of sunshine over the most recent predetermined period to the output unit 13. This allows the output unit 13 to obtain an estimation result that is as reliable or more reliable than the weather estimation result based only on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100.

[0049] According to the configuration of this modified example, the local weather at the position of the solar panel 100 can be estimated with higher accuracy.

[0050] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the analysis unit 11 analyzes the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 based on sensor data detected by the sensor 100A attached to the solar panel 100. The estimation unit 12 estimates the weather at the location of the solar panel 100 based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100. The output unit 13 outputs information based on the estimated weather results.

[0051] The sensor 100A attached to the solar panel 100 detects sensor data. The sensor data reflects the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100. The vibration of the solar panel 100 is mainly caused by weather such as rain and wind. Therefore, from the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100, it is possible to estimate abnormal weather such as heavy rain or strong wind, as well as the location of the abnormal weather (i.e., the location of the building). In this way, local weather estimation can be realized.

[0052] [Embodiment 2] A second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In the second embodiment, some specific examples of weather estimation will be described.

[0053] (Weather Estimation Device 20) The configuration of the weather estimation device 20 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the weather estimation device 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the weather estimation device 20 includes an analysis unit 11, an estimation unit 12', and an output unit 13. The estimation unit 12' of the weather estimation device 20 is partially different from the estimation unit 12 of the weather estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment in the content of the processing it performs. The processing performed by the estimation unit 12' will be described below.

[0054] The estimation unit 12 ′, like the estimation unit 12 , estimates the weather at the location of the solar panel 100 based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 .

[0055] In one example, the estimation unit 12′ estimates rainfall or snowfall in an area including the location of the solar panel 100 (i.e., the location of the building) based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100. Specifically, the estimation unit 12′ extracts information on the amplitude of vibration from the analysis result of the vibration pattern.

[0056] The estimation unit 12' distinguishes between rainfall and snowfall based on the magnitude of the vibration amplitude. If the magnitude of the vibration amplitude exceeds a first threshold, the estimation unit 12' estimates that rainfall is occurring in the area including the position of the solar panel 100. On the other hand, if the magnitude of the vibration amplitude exceeds a second threshold and is equal to or less than the first threshold, the estimation unit 12' estimates that snowfall is occurring in the area including the position of the solar panel 100. The estimation unit 12 may estimate only the presence or absence of rainfall based on the first threshold.

[0057] In another example, the estimation unit 12′ estimates the amount of rain at the position of the solar panel 100 based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100. Specifically, the estimation unit 12′ extracts information on the amplitude of the vibration from the analysis result of the vibration pattern.

[0058] As in the other example, the estimation unit 12′ distinguishes between rainfall and snowfall based on the magnitude of the amplitude of the vibration. When it is estimated that rainfall is occurring in an area including the location of the solar panel 100, the estimation unit 12′ also estimates the amount of rainfall based on the magnitude of the amplitude of the vibration using a database (not shown) that stores information indicating the relationship between the magnitude of the amplitude of the vibration and the amount of rainfall, or a relational equation. The information indicating the relationship between the magnitude of the amplitude of the vibration and the amount of rainfall may be included in the sensor value database 300 (FIG. 1).

[0059] In yet another example, the estimation unit 12′ estimates the wind strength at the position of the solar panel 100 based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100. Specifically, the estimation unit 12′ extracts information indicating whether the vibration is periodic and information on the amplitude of the vibration from the analysis result of the vibration pattern.

[0060] The estimation unit 12' distinguishes between wind and rainfall or snowfall based on whether the vibrations are periodic. If the vibrations are not periodic, the estimation unit 12' estimates that wind is blowing. In this case, the estimation unit 12' further estimates the wind strength based on the amplitude of the vibrations using a database (not shown) that stores information indicating the relationship between the amplitude of the vibrations and the wind strength, or a relational expression. The information indicating the relationship between the amplitude of the vibrations and the wind strength may be included in the sensor value database 300 (FIG. 1).

[0061] The estimation unit 12′ outputs information indicating the characteristics of the weather to the output unit 13 as an estimation result of the weather at the position of the solar panel 100. The information indicating the characteristics of the weather is, for example, index values ​​such as rainfall and wind speed, or information indicating the occurrence of abnormal weather such as strong winds, heavy rain, or hail.

[0062] The output unit 13 receives information indicating the characteristics of the weather from the estimation unit 12′ as an estimation result of the weather at the position of the solar panel 100. Based on the information indicating the characteristics of the weather, the output unit 13 determines whether the estimated weather is a pre-specified abnormal weather.

[0063] If the estimated weather is a pre-specified abnormal weather, the output unit 13 delivers an alert to a pre-registered user terminal 400 (FIG. 1). For example, if the estimated weather is heavy rain (a large amount of rain within a certain period of time), the output unit 13 transmits a notification to a pre-registered user terminal 400 to warn the user to be careful of heavy rain.

[0064] (Operation of the weather estimation device 20) The operation of the weather estimation device 20 according to the second embodiment is the same as the operation (FIG. 3) of the weather estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the description of the first embodiment will be cited, and the description of the operation of the weather estimation device 20 will be omitted.

[0065] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the analysis unit 11 analyzes the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 based on sensor data detected by the sensor 100A attached to the solar panel 100. The estimation unit 12′ estimates the weather at the location of the solar panel 100 based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100. The output unit 13 outputs information based on the estimated weather results.

[0066] The sensor 100A attached to the solar panel 100 detects sensor data. The sensor data reflects the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100. The vibration of the solar panel 100 is mainly caused by weather such as rain and wind. Therefore, from the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100, it is possible to estimate abnormal weather such as heavy rain, strong wind, or hail, as well as the location of the abnormal weather. In this way, local weather estimation can be realized.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the estimation unit 12' estimates weather characteristics. The weather characteristics indicate, for example, wind strength or wind speed, rainfall, etc. When a pre-specified abnormal weather event is estimated, the output unit 13 delivers an alert to a pre-registered user terminal 400. This allows local weather information to be provided to registered users based on the results of the local weather estimation.

[0068] [Embodiment 3] A third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first or second embodiment are used for components that execute the same processes as those in the first or second embodiment, and descriptions of those components will be omitted.

[0069] In the third embodiment, a configuration will be described in which falling snow from the solar panel 100 (FIG. 1) is detected based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100.

[0070] (Weather Estimation Device 30) The configuration of a weather estimation device 30 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the weather estimation device 30. As shown in Fig. 5, the weather estimation device 30 includes an analysis unit 11, an estimation unit 12, and an output unit 13. The weather estimation device 30 further includes a detection unit 34.

[0071] The detector 34 detects that snow has fallen from the solar panel 100 based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100. The detector 34 is an example of a detecting means.

[0072] In one example, the detection unit 34 uses a second estimator (not shown) that has machine-learned the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 when snow falls from the solar panel 100. When snow falls from the solar panel 100, a vibration pattern occurs that is different from the vibration pattern caused by rainfall, snowfall, or wind pressure.

[0073] The second estimator can learn the characteristics of the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 when snow falls from the solar panel 100 by machine learning.

[0074] The detection unit 34 inputs, to the second estimator, information indicating the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100. The detection unit 34 detects that snow has fallen from the solar panel 100 based on the output from the second estimator.

[0075] The detector 34 notifies the output unit 13 that snow has fallen from the solar panel 100.

[0076] The output unit 13 is notified by the detection unit 34 that snow has fallen from the solar panel 100. When it is detected that snow has fallen from the solar panel 100, the output unit 13 delivers an alert to a pre-registered user terminal 400 (FIG. 1).

[0077] (Operation of the weather estimation device 30) The operation of the weather estimation device 30 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by each unit of the weather estimation device 30.

[0078] 6, the analysis unit 11 analyzes the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 based on sensor data detected by the sensor 100A attached to the solar panel 100 (S301). The analysis unit 11 outputs information indicating the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 obtained as the analysis result (for example, the amplitude, period, and presence or absence of periodicity of the vibration) to the estimation unit 12 and the detection unit 34.

[0079] The estimation unit 12 receives information indicating the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 from the analysis unit 11. The estimation unit 12 estimates the weather at the position of the solar panel 100 (i.e., the location of the building) based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 (S302). The estimation unit 12 outputs the estimated result of the weather at the position of the solar panel 100 to the output unit 13.

[0080] The output unit 13 receives the weather estimation result at the position of the solar panel 100 from the estimation unit 12. The output unit 13 outputs information based on the weather estimation result (S303). For example, the output unit 13 displays information indicating the type of weather on a monitor (not shown). Note that in step S3, the output unit 13 may also output information indicating the characteristics of the weather (for example, light / strong rain, light / strong wind) along with the information indicating the type of weather.

[0081] The detection unit 34 detects that snow has fallen from the solar panel 100 based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 (S304).

[0082] The detector 34 notifies the output unit 13 that snow has fallen from the solar panel 100.

[0083] The output unit 13 is notified by the detection unit 34 that snow has fallen from the solar panel 100. When it is detected that snow has fallen from the solar panel 100, the output unit 13 delivers an alert to a pre-registered user terminal 400 (FIG. 1) (S305).

[0084] This completes the operation of the weather estimation device 30 according to the third embodiment.

[0085] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the analysis unit 11 analyzes the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 based on sensor data detected by the sensor 100A attached to the solar panel 100. The estimation unit 12 estimates the weather at the location of the solar panel 100 based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100. The output unit 13 outputs information based on the estimated weather results.

[0086] The sensor 100A attached to the solar panel 100 detects sensor data. The sensor data reflects the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100. The vibration of the solar panel 100 is mainly caused by weather such as rain and wind. Therefore, from the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100, it is possible to estimate abnormal weather such as heavy rain and strong winds, as well as the location of the abnormal weather. In this way, local weather estimation can be realized.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the detection unit 34 detects that snow has fallen from the solar panel 100 based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100. When it is detected that snow has fallen from the solar panel 100, the output unit 13 delivers an alert to a user terminal 400 that has been registered in advance.

[0088] This allows the user to know the state of the solar panel 100 and to take necessary measures to maintain the amount of power generated by the solar panel 100.

[0089] (Other embodiments) As described in the first embodiment, the estimation unit 12 (or the estimation unit 12' in the second embodiment) may estimate the weather using an estimator 200 that has learned the relationship between the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 and the weather at that time.

[0090] The weather estimation devices 10, 20, and 30 described in the first to third embodiments may further include a learning means (not shown) that causes the estimator 200 (FIG. 1) to perform machine learning.

[0091] The learning means uses data stored in the sensor value database 300 (FIG. 1) to make the estimator 200 learn the relationship between the vibration pattern of the solar panel 100 and the weather at that time. The estimation unit 12 can estimate the weather using the trained estimator 200.

[0092] (About hardware configuration) Each of the components of the weather estimation devices 10, 20, and 30 described in the first to third embodiments is represented by a functional block. Some or all of these components are realized by an information processing device 900 as shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 900.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 7, the information processing device 900 includes, for example, the following configuration.

[0094] ·CPU(Central Processing Unit)901 ROM (Read Only Memory) 902 ·RAM(Random Access Memory)903 Program 904 loaded into RAM 903 A storage device 905 for storing a program 904 A drive device 907 for reading and writing data from and to the recording medium 906 A communication interface 908 for connecting to a communication network 909 Input / output interface 910 for inputting and outputting data Bus 911 connecting each component Each of the components of the weather estimation devices 10, 20, and 30 described in the first to third embodiments is realized by the CPU 901 reading and executing a program 904 that realizes the functions of the components. The program 904 that realizes the functions of the components is stored, for example, in advance in the storage device 905 or the ROM 902, and is loaded into the RAM 903 and executed by the CPU 901 as needed. The program 904 may be supplied to the CPU 901 via the communication network 909, or may be stored in advance in the recording medium 906, and the drive device 907 may read out the program and supply it to the CPU 901.

[0095] According to the above configuration, the weather estimation devices 10, 20, and 30 described in the first to third embodiments are realized as hardware, and therefore, the same effects as those described in any of the first to third embodiments can be achieved.

[0096] [Note] One aspect of the present invention can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0097] (Appendix 1) an analysis means for analyzing a vibration pattern of the solar panel based on sensor data detected by a sensor attached to the solar panel; an estimation means for estimating the weather at the position of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel; an output means for outputting information based on the weather estimation result; A weather estimation device equipped with the

[0098] (Appendix 2) The estimation means estimates rainfall or snowfall at the position of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel. 2. The weather estimation device according to claim 1,

[0099] (Appendix 3) The estimation means estimates the amount of rain at the position of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel. 2. The weather estimation device according to claim 1,

[0100] (Appendix 4) The estimation means estimates the wind strength at the position of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel. 2. The weather estimation device according to claim 1,

[0101] (Appendix 5) The estimation means estimates the weather at the position of the solar panel using an estimator that has learned the relationship between the vibration pattern of the solar panel and the weather at that time. 2. The weather estimation device according to claim 1,

[0102] (Appendix 6) The estimation means estimates the weather at the location of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel and data on the amount of power generated by the solar panel or the amount of sunshine. 2. The weather estimation device according to claim 1,

[0103] (Appendix 7) When a pre-specified abnormal weather event is predicted, the output means delivers an alert to a pre-registered user terminal. 7. The weather estimation device according to claim 2, wherein:

[0104] (Appendix 8) a detector for detecting whether snow has fallen from the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel; When it is detected that snow has fallen from the solar panel, the output means delivers an alert to a pre-registered user terminal. 7. The weather estimation device according to claim 1, wherein:

[0105] (Appendix 9) analyzing a vibration pattern of the solar panel based on sensor data detected by a sensor attached to the solar panel; Estimating weather at the location of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel; Output information based on weather prediction results Weather estimation methods.

[0106] (Appendix 10) Analyzing a vibration pattern of the solar panel based on sensor data detected by a sensor attached to the solar panel; estimating weather at the location of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel; Outputting information based on the weather estimation results A non-transitory recording medium for causing a computer to execute the program.

[0107] (Appendix 11) an analysis means for analyzing a vibration pattern of the solar panel based on sensor data detected by a sensor attached to the solar panel; an estimation means for estimating the weather at the position of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel; an output means for outputting information based on the weather estimation result; A weather estimation device comprising: the solar panel on which the sensor is mounted; an estimator that has learned the relationship between the vibration pattern of the solar panel and the weather at that time; a sensor value database in which the sensor data detected by the sensor attached to the solar panel is stored; A weather estimation system with

[0108] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments (and examples), the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments (and examples). Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configurations and details of the above-described embodiments (and examples) within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0109] The present invention can be used, for example, in a weather estimation device that performs local weather estimation, and in a weather information service that provides weather information to users. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1. Weather Estimation System 10 Weather Estimation Device 11 Analysis Department 12 Estimation part 12′ Estimator 13 Output section 20 Weather Estimation Device 30 Weather Estimation Device 34 Detector 100 solar panels 100A sensor 200 estimator 300 sensor value database 400 User Terminals

Claims

1. an analysis means for analyzing a vibration pattern of the solar panel based on sensor data detected by a sensor attached to the solar panel; an estimation means for estimating the weather at the position of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel; an output means for outputting information based on the weather estimation result; Equipped with a detector for detecting whether snow has fallen from the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel; When it is detected that snow has fallen from the solar panel, the output means delivers an alert to a pre-registered user terminal. Weather estimation device.

2. The estimation means estimates rainfall or snowfall at the position of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel. The weather estimation device according to claim 1 .

3. The estimation means estimates the amount of rain at the position of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel. The weather estimation device according to claim 1 .

4. The estimation means estimates the wind strength at the position of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel. The weather estimation device according to claim 1 .

5. The estimation means estimates the weather at the position of the solar panel using an estimator that has learned the relationship between the vibration pattern of the solar panel and the weather at that time. The weather estimation device according to claim 1 .

6. The estimation means estimates the weather at the location of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel and data on the amount of power generated by the solar panel or the amount of sunshine. The weather estimation device according to claim 1 .

7. analyzing a vibration pattern of the solar panel based on sensor data detected by a sensor attached to the solar panel; Estimating weather at the location of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel; A weather estimation method for outputting information based on a weather estimation result, further detecting that snow has fallen from the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel; When snow falling from the solar panel is detected, an alert is sent to a pre-registered user terminal. Weather estimation methods.

8. Analyzing a vibration pattern of the solar panel based on sensor data detected by a sensor attached to the solar panel; estimating weather at the location of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel; and outputting information based on the weather estimation result, further detecting that snow has fallen from the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel; When it is detected that snow has fallen from the solar panel, an alert is sent to a pre-registered user terminal; A program for causing the computer to execute the above.

9. an analysis means for analyzing a vibration pattern of the solar panel based on sensor data detected by a sensor attached to the solar panel; an estimation means for estimating the weather at the position of the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel; an output means for outputting information based on the weather estimation result; A weather estimation device comprising: the solar panel on which the sensor is mounted; an estimator that has learned the relationship between the vibration pattern of the solar panel and the weather at that time; a sensor value database in which the sensor data detected by the sensor attached to the solar panel is stored, a detector for detecting whether snow has fallen from the solar panel based on the vibration pattern of the solar panel; When it is detected that snow has fallen from the solar panel, the output means delivers an alert to a pre-registered user terminal. A weather estimation system with

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