Information processing device and program

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for predicting and controlling air environments in subject spaces, such as those using computational fluid dynamics, are time-consuming and difficult to adapt to desired layouts of elements like air conditioners and heating devices, making it hard to estimate air conditions like temperature, humidity, and airflow accurately.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device that includes a storage section for element models, a placement acquisition section to gather information on element placement, and an estimation section to predict the air environment using these models, allowing for intuitive placement of elements and estimation of air conditions like temperature, humidity, and airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to predict air environment, then prediction accuracy is improved, but calculation time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair environment prediction accuracyVSAvoidcalculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex CFD calculation into multiple simplified calculation stages. First, a rough air environment prediction is performed using simplified models, then progressively refined through intermediate calculations, and finally adjusted with detailed parameters. This multi-stage segmentation approach maintains prediction accuracy while significantly reducing total calculation time compared to performing a complete CFD analysis from scratch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary air environment predictions using simplified models before conducting detailed CFD calculations. By pre-calculating baseline air flow patterns, temperature distributions, and humidity fields using faster computational methods, the system prepares initial conditions that accelerate subsequent detailed simulations, thereby reducing the overall time required for accurate prediction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If conventional physical models are used for air environment prediction, then calculation speed is improved, but ease of model creation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation speedVSAvoidmodel creation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pre-built standardized model templates that represent common air conditioning systems, building layouts, and environmental conditions. Users can quickly create customized models by copying these templates and modifying parameters such as device positions, room dimensions, and operational settings, rather than constructing models from scratch. This significantly improves ease of model creation while maintaining calculation speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops universal model components that can be applied across multiple different scenarios. Standardized elements such as generic air conditioner models, heater models, window models, and wall models are designed to work in various building types and configurations. These multi-functional components reduce the effort required to create new models, as users can reuse and adapt existing universal elements rather than developing custom models for each situation.

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

3Measurement precision

If detailed element placement information is incorporated into the model, then air environment estimation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair environment estimation accuracyVSAvoidmodel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by incorporating detailed element placement information selectively in regions where it most impacts air environment prediction accuracy. For example, precise positioning data is prioritized for air conditioning devices, heat sources, and critical measurement zones, while less critical areas use simplified representations. This selective approach improves overall estimation accuracy without proportionally increasing model complexity across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic model complexity adjustment based on prediction requirements. The system can adaptively simplify or detail model elements depending on the specific prediction task, available computational resources, and required accuracy level. This allows the model to maintain high accuracy when needed while reducing complexity for routine predictions, balancing both requirements effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240159422A1Information processing device and program
Publication Date: 2024.05.16 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • US20240159422A1 patent drawing
  • US20240159422A1 patent drawing
  • US20240159422A1 patent drawing

AI summary

By using a model that predicts an environment where elements are arranged in a desired manner, the air environment of the subject space can be easily estimated. An information processing device includes: a storage section storing element models that are created for respective elements which affect an air environment of a space, and that predict the effect of the elements on the air environment of the space; a placement acquisition section acquiring information on the placement of the respective elements provided in a predetermined subject space; and an estimation section estimating the air environment in the subject space using the information on the placement of each of the elements acquired by the placement acquisition section and the element models, which correspond to the elements, stored in the storage section.