Apparatus control device and apparatus control method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional apparatus control devices fail to consider unobservable values, leading to inadequate control of control target apparatuses due to the inability to estimate environmental changes accurately.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus control device utilizes a first learning model to predict observable values and a second learning model to estimate unobservable values, integrating these with observed values to calculate control values using a state prediction unit and control value selecting unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If only observable values from sensors are used for control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control accuracy deteriorates due to inability to estimate environmental changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces learning models as intermediary components that bridge the gap between observable sensor data and unobservable environmental factors. The first learning model processes observable values to predict future states, while the second learning model estimates unobservable values, together enabling accurate control without direct measurement of all parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical measurement devices (sensors) with computational models (learning models) to estimate unobservable values. Instead of installing sensors for every parameter, the system uses machine learning algorithms to infer unobservable environmental factors from observable data, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining control accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If unobservable values are estimated using learning models, then the control accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple learning models

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control system into distinct functional modules: an observable value acquisition unit for sensor data, a first learning model for predicting observable future states, a second learning model for estimating unobservable values, and a control value calculation unit. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks, improving overall accuracy while managing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The learning models serve multiple functions within the system. The first learning model not only predicts future observable values but also provides inputs to the second learning model. The second learning model estimates unobservable values that complement sensor data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4428463B1Apparatus control device and apparatus control method
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP4428463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4428463B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4428463B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An apparatus control device (3) is configured to include an observed value acquiring unit (11) that acquires, from a sensor (2-n) (n=1, ..., N) that observes an environment in which a control target apparatus is installed, an observed value of the environment, an observation predicted value acquiring unit (12) that gives an observed value acquired by the observed value acquiring unit (11) to a first learning model (12a) and acquires an observation predicted value that is a future observed value from the sensor (2-n) from the first learning model (12a), and an unobservable value acquiring unit (13) that gives an observed value acquired by the observed value acquiring unit (11) to a second learning model (13a) and acquires an unobservable value that is a value not directly observed by the sensor (2-n) from the second learning model (13a). In addition, the apparatus control device (3) includes a control value calculating unit (14) that calculates a control value of the control target apparatus using the observed value acquired by the observed value acquiring unit (11), the observation predicted value acquired by the observation predicted value acquiring unit (12), and the unobservable value acquired by the unobservable value acquiring unit (13).